How Does the Water Cycle Work?
The water cycle is a continuous process where water moves around the Earth, changing states between liquid, vapor, and ice. It's a vital process for all life on Earth.
The water cycle involves several key stages:
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Evaporation: The sun's heat turns liquid water (from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even puddles) into water vapor (a gas). This is facilitated by the sun's energy (NASA Global Precipitation).
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Transpiration: Plants also release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves. This process is called transpiration.
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Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it cools and condenses, forming tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These droplets cling to dust particles in the air, eventually forming clouds (BBC Bitesize).
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Precipitation: When the water droplets or ice crystals in clouds become too heavy, they fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
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Collection: Once precipitation reaches the ground, it collects in various locations, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers. This water then eventually evaporates, restarting the cycle (NOAA).
The Water Cycle: A Continuous Process
It's important to note that the water cycle is a continuous loop with no beginning or end (The 71 Percent). Water is constantly moving and changing states, driven by the sun's energy. Groundwater plays a significant role in this cycle, acting as a reservoir for water that slowly moves through the ground (Groundwater.org).
The Met Office highlights the sun's role in transferring water between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere (Met Office). NASA's Climate Kids site emphasizes the water cycle's importance and the various locations where liquid water can be found (NASA Climate Kids). JPL's research focuses on the terrestrial aspects of the water cycle (JPL).
In essence, the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, driven by solar energy, constitutes the water cycle.
