Water Cycle - Process, Diagram, and its Various Stages
Last Updated : 07 Mar, 2024
The water cycle or hydrologic cycle, is a continuous and natural process that circulates water between the surface of the Earth, the atmosphere, and back again. The water cycle steps evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration. The water cycle sustains life by replenishing water sources and maintains hydrological balance on Earth. In this article, we will explain the water cycle steps, the water cycle diagram, and its importance in maintaining Earth’s ecosystems.
Water Cycle Definition
The water cycle is the natural process of continuous movement of water (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation) between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
What is Water Cycle?
The water cycle process is a continuous water circulation in the Earth-atmosphere system. The water cycle is also known as the Hydrologic or Hydrological Cycle. Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff are the most significant steps of water cycle.
Solar energy drives the evaporation of water from the surface of the Earth, which then condenses to form clouds in the atmosphere. Eventually, these clouds release moisture through precipitation, returning water to the Earth's surface. This cycle sustains life, replenishes water sources, and regulates the climate of the Earth.
Water Cycle Diagram
Given below is the water cycle diagram that shows the various stages of water cycle.
Steps of Water Cycle
The important steps of water cycle are discussed here. These various stages of water cycle together form a continuous, natural process that circulates water on Earth. The main steps of water cycle are:
Evaporation
The transformation of water from liquid to gas phases as it moves from the different water bodies into the overlying atmosphere. The source of energy for evaporation is primarily solar radiation. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere. The process of evaporation via the leaves of plants is known as evapotranspiration. After this process water is released into the atmosphere.
Sublimation
In places with cold temperatures, snow and ice may change directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) in a process called sublimation. The most typical reasons are dry winds and low humidity. Sublimation can be visible on mountain peaks when the air pressure is extremely low.
The process is aided by low air pressure, which requires less energy to convert snow to water vapour. Sublimation is also visible during the fogging phase of dry ice. The primary source of sublimation is the ice sheets that cover its poles.
Condensation
Due to the low temperatures at high altitudes, the water vapour that has accumulated in the atmosphere cools. These vapours condense into droplets of water and ice, which eventually condense into clouds. The temperature at which condensation occurs is known as the dew point.
Temperatures can naturally approach or go below the dew point, especially at night. As a result, water droplets are sprayed on lawns, cars, and buildings every morning. Warm air reaches its dew point and condenses when it comes into contact with a cold surface.
Precipitation
When the temperature rises above 0 degrees Celsius, the vapours condense into water droplets. In the absence of dust or other contaminants, however, it cannot condense. Water vapours stick to the surface of the particle as a result. When enough droplets form, it falls from the sky and onto the earth below, a process known as precipitation. Water droplets freeze and fall as snow or hail in extremely cold weather or when air pressure is extremely low.
Infiltration
Infiltration is the process through which rainwater is absorbed into the ground. The amount of water absorbed varies depending on the medium into which it was introduced. Rocks, for example, will hold substantially less water than soil. Groundwater can be transported by both streams and rivers. It's possible, however, that it'll simply sink deeper and form aquifers.
Runoff
If rainwater does not create aquifers, gravity transports it down mountain and hill slopes, finally forming rivers. Runoff is the term for this practice.
Significance of Water Cycle
The effect of water cycle process are numerous and have wide-ranging effects on the environment, climate, and ecosystems. The significance of water cycle are as follows:
- The water cycle or hydrological cycle is fundamental in maintaining a continuous supply of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, industry, and various human activities.
- The Earth's temperature would rise considerably if the evaporative cooling effect of the water cycle did not exist.
- Variations in the water cycle can lead to shifts in precipitation patterns, impacting weather events, droughts, and floods.
- The potential of the hydrological cycle to filter the air is well established. Water vapours must connect with dust particles during the precipitation process. Raindrops collect water-soluble gases and contaminants, as well as dust when they descend from the sky in polluted cities.
- It supports the generation of hydroelectric power by maintaining the flow of water in rivers and reservoirs.
- The hydrologic water cycle is also connected with different biogeochemical cycles.
- Changes in the hydrological cycle are a key component of climate change, leading to shifts in precipitation, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.
Effect of Rainfall on the Environment
The impact of rainfall on the environment can be as follows:
- Rainfall or other forms of water precipitation provide water to many forms of life, either directly or indirectly.
- Plant roots absorb water, which flows up the plant stem column to the leaves. The leaves then collect sunlight and employ photosynthesis to produce sugar to feed the plants. All of this is due to the beneficial influence of rainfall.
- A lot of negative impacts occur when there is an excess of water in the form of rainfall. Excessive rain can harm plants and compact soil. Erosion eventually happens when soil becomes compressed.
- Flooding endangers human life, destroys houses, roads, and bridges, and wreaks havoc on cattle and crops. Rainfall can have an impact on forests.
- While some places may see more intense rainfall events, others may be affected by the reverse scenario of receiving less rainfall than previously measured. The impact of deforestation on the Brazilian Amazon is a classic example of this.
Climate Change and Water Cycle
There are effect of climate change on water cycle are given below:
- Climate warming accelerates evaporation, leading to more water vapor in the atmosphere and occurence of intensified rainstorms.
- Rising temperatures also dry out soils, increasing the risk of drought and water scarcity in affected areas.
- Climate change worsens hydrological extremes, creating hotspots and vulnerable regions that require adaptive measures.
Conclusion - Water Cycle
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, continuously circulates water between Earth's surface and the atmosphere, sustaining life and ecosystems. Through water cycle steps of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration, the water cycle replenishes water sources and maintains hydrological balance. Understanding the process of water cycle is crucial for learning Earth's complex regulatory mechanisms and ensuring ecological stability.
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