Draw a neat labelled diagram of ' water cycle ' and write in brief about the water cycle
Answers
The water cycle is an important Biogeochemical Cycle involved in the flow or circulation of water through different levels of the ecosystem. The water cycle is defined as a natural process of constantly recycling the water in the atmosphere. It is also known as the hydrological cycle or the hydrologic cycle.
During the process of the water cycle between the earth and the atmosphere, water changes into three states of matter – solid, liquid and gas.
The complete water cycle is carried into four stages which are as follows: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation and Collection.
Evaporation
This is the initial stage of the water cycle.
The process by which water from its liquid state changes to vapour, a gaseous state, is termed as evaporation. During the water cycle, water in the water bodies get heated up and evaporates in the form of vapour, mixes with the air and disappears.
Condensation
When the evaporated water vapour loses its thermal energy, it becomes liquid through the process of condensation. Formation of clouds are examples of condensation.
Precipitation
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail are all examples of Precipitation. After the condensation, atmospheric water vapour forms sufficiently large water droplets and falls back to the earth with the help of gravity.
Deposition or Collection
This is the final stage of the water cycle. Deposition occurs when evaporated water vapour falls back to earth as precipitation. This water may fall back into the different water bodies, including oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes and even end up on the land, which in turn becomes a part of the groundwater.Overall, the water cycle process describes how water is balanced in the atmosphere. It also plays an important role in ensuring the availability of water for all living organisms and also it has a great impact on our environment.
- Explanation:
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle or the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth. The mass of water on Earth remains fairly constant over time but the partitioning of the water into the major reservoirs of ice, fresh water, saline water and atmospheric water is variable depending on a wide range of climatic variables. The water moves from one reservoir to another, such as from river to ocean, or from the ocean to the atmosphere, by the physical processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff, and subsurface flow. In doing so, the water goes through different forms: liquid, solid (ice) and vapor.The water cycle involves the exchange of energy, which leads to temperature changes. When water evaporates, it takes up energy from its surroundings and cools the environment. When it condenses, it releases energy and warms the environment. These heat exchanges influence climate.
The evaporative phase of the cycle purifies water which then replenishes the land with freshwater. The flow of liquid water and ice transports minerals across the globe. It is also involved in reshaping the geological features of the Earth, through processes including erosion and sedimentation. The water cycle is also essential for the maintenance of most life and ecosystems on the planet.