![]() The infiltration is measured as inches of water-soaked by the soil per hour.Īs benefactors of the water cycle, we sometimes interfere with or take advantage of the process in order to reach our own goals. Underground water tables typically provide pure clean water that is safe to drink. The water seeps down and increases the level of the ground water table. Step 7: InfiltrationĪny water that doesn't run directly to bodies of water or get quickly evaporated, will be absorbed by plants and soil, where it may be driven deeper to the earth. This runoff combines to form channels, rivers and ends up into lakes, seas and oceans. As water runs over the ground it displaces the top soil with it and moves the minerals along with the stream. When the snow melts into water it also leads to runoff. Runoff is the process where water runs over the surface of earth. Step 6: RunoffĪs the water pours down (in whatever form), it leads to runoff. ![]() Thus water enters the biosphere (plants and animals) and exits into a gaseous phase. The extra water is moved out of leaves through stomata (very tiny openings on leaves) as water vapor. The roots of the plants absorb the water and push it toward leaves where it is used for photosynthesis. Transpiration is a process similar to evaporation where liquid water is turned into water vapor by the plants. This water enters into the process of transpiration. Step 5: TranspirationĪs water precipitates, some of it is absorbed by the soil. Hence water enters lithosphere by landing upon the earth. In addition, water could also precipice in the form of drizzle, sleet and hail. If the temperature is very low (below 0 degrees), then the water droplets would fall as snow. At high altitudes the temperature is low and hence the droplets lose their heat energy. This occurs because the water droplets combine to make bigger droplets, so when the air cannot hold any more water, it precipitates. The clouds (condensed water vapors) then pour down as precipitation due to wind or temperature change. Sublimation is a rather slower process than evaporation. The main sources of water from sublimation are the ice sheets of the North Pole and the South Pole and the ice caps on the mountains. This phenomenon accelerates when the temperature is low or pressure is high. Sublimation is a process where ice directly converts into water vapors without converting into liquid water. Step 3: SublimationĪpart from evaporation, sublimation also contributes to water vapors in the air. These particles come close together and form clouds and fogs in the sky. At high altitudes the water vapor changes into very tiny particles of ice /water droplets because of low temperature. Step 2: condensationĪs water vaporizes into water vapor, it rises up in the atmosphere. As water evaporates it reduces the temperature of those water bodies. Through evaporation, water moves from hydrosphere to atmosphere. Water bodies like oceans, seas, lakes and rivers are the main source of evaporation. Water absorbs heat energy from the sun and turns into vapors. ![]() It is a process where water at the surface turns into water vapors. The first of the water cycle steps begins with evaporation. ![]() Let’s dive a little deeper into each phase of the water cycle and how they work. Water Cycle The 7 Stages of the Water Cycle: The labeled water cycle diagram below illustrates some of those main functions in the water cycle. The water cycle has many effects including the regulation of temperature and weather, circulating important minerals, and creating various geographical features. These stages are connected, and water can move from one stage to the next, eventually returning to oceans and other bodies of water where the cycle starts again. The water cycle is driven by solar energy and involves several stages including evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. It involves the exchange of heat energy, which leads to changes in temperature and moisture levels in the atmosphere, oceans, and land. The simplest way to describe the water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. In order for water to perform those important functions, it needs to be replenished, purified, and circulated again and again. Think of all the ways you use water every single day. It is an important factor of growth, health, and many day to day activities. Why is the water cycle important? Well, covering 70% of the planet, water is the basis of life on earth. ![]()
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