Question

what is the source of energy for the water cycle

Answer 1

Heat energy must be the main source of water cycle. ☆ please follow me.

Answer 2

To start the investigation of Earth's energy balance, you will begin by taking an in-depth look at a familiar process known as the water cycle. Earth's water supply is recycled in a continuous process known as the water, or hydrologic, cycle. Water molecules continuously move from location to location in this cycle. The water cycle is important to weather and climate and, ultimately, to all life on Earth.


As discussed earlier, the water cycle not only redistributes water around Earth, it also absorbs and redistributes solar energy between locations. Latent heating of Earth's atmosphere occurs as energy, primarily from the sun, causes liquid water to transform to another phase. As this occurs, liquid water absorbs energy, causing it to evaporate and form water vapor. The process of evaporation absorbs tremendous amounts of incoming solar energy. Through the process of latent heating, energy is transferred into the atmosphere when the water vapor condenses during the formation of clouds. For example, think of how a puddle, following a rainstorm, keeps a sidewalk cool until it is completely dried by the sunshine. The incoming solar radiation is being used to drive the process of evaporation. Once the water is gone, the sidewalk begins to absorb solar radiation and heat up. If you touch the sidewalk with bare feet you can feel this sensible heat.


A second mechanism for the redistribution of thermal energy is the process of convection, which is the driving force behind weather. Together, these two processes account for a significant amount of the Earth's radiation budget.