WATER CYCLE
🌧️ Definition
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
🔄 Main Processes of the Water Cycle
1. Evaporation
○ Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies turns into vapor due to the sun’s heat.
2. Transpiration
○ Plants release water vapor from their leaves into the atmosphere.
3. Condensation
○ Water vapor cools in the atmosphere and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.
4. Precipitation
○ Water falls from clouds to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Collection (Runoff & Infiltration)
○ Water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, and also infiltrates into the ground, replenishing groundwater.
6. Infiltration & Percolation
○ Water soaks into the soil and moves through the ground to replenish aquifers.
🌍 Importance of the Water Cycle
● Regulates Earth’s temperature.
● Distributes fresh water across the planet.
● Supports all forms of life.
● Drives weather patterns.
🔁 Cycle Characteristics
● It is a closed system — water is neither created nor destroyed.
● Powered mainly by solar energy.
● Operates globally and continuously.
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