The document discusses the water cycle and its key processes. It defines evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, percolation and other processes. It explains how water circulates between the oceans, atmosphere and land as part of the water cycle, which is driven by the sun's energy and affects climate and life on Earth.
The document discusses the water cycle and its key processes. It defines evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, percolation and other processes. It explains how water circulates between the oceans, atmosphere and land as part of the water cycle, which is driven by the sun's energy and affects climate and life on Earth.
The document discusses the water cycle and its key processes. It defines evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, percolation and other processes. It explains how water circulates between the oceans, atmosphere and land as part of the water cycle, which is driven by the sun's energy and affects climate and life on Earth.
The document discusses the water cycle and its key processes. It defines evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, percolation and other processes. It explains how water circulates between the oceans, atmosphere and land as part of the water cycle, which is driven by the sun's energy and affects climate and life on Earth.
to exist. Water changes our world and practically every aspect of our existence as it cycles from the air to the land to the sea and back to the air again, repeating the cycle. Significance of Water All Living Things Need Water! Water is an essential element for sustaining life as we know it, and wherever water exists, life thrives. Every living organism, including people, animals and plants, relies on water regardless of its salinity, temperature, or availability. Significance of the Water Cycle What is a Water Cycle?
Water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is driven
by the Sun’s energy. It is the continuous movement of water all around the Earth. Significance of the Water Cycle What is its importance?
The water cycle has a great impact on our
economy as it allocates water to different places, and regulates the weather, and this process cleans the water giving us fresh water that we may consume. Importance of Understanding the Water Cycle Understanding the water cycle allows us to prepare and adapt to its process. We can observe its pattern which is useful for forecasts of meteorologists and for us to form strategies to manage our water resources. Water Cycle Diagram Processes of Water Cycle Evaporation Runoff Condensation Infiltration Percolation Precipitation Sublimation Transpiration Deposition Evaporation Definition Evaporation is the process of liquid turning into a gas, this gas is called water vapor. This is the reason why some puddles are gone later on and why wet clothes become dry. This occurs because of heat that makes the water molecules move faster and faster, so fast that they eventually escape as gas. Evaporation Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration which happens when water evaporates through the leaves of plants. Evaporation Did you know?
When water evaporates from the oceans,
the salt remains behind as it is denser and heavier than water vapor. This is why the water that evaporates from the oceans and forms clouds is not salty. Evaporation Factors Affecting Evaporation Evaporation Factors Affecting Evaporation
Temperature - the higher the temperature the higher the
evaporation is. Evaporation Factors Affecting Evaporation
Surface area - the flatter
the surface area 300 mL (increases), the higher 300 mL the evaporation is. Fast evaporation
Slow evaporation Evaporation Factors Affecting Evaporation Humidity - The higher the humidity the higher the evaporation rate. Evaporation Factors Affecting Evaporation
Wind speed - This is when
the wind speed increases, the rate of evaporation also increases. Condensation Definition When the water vapor that has risen into the sky comes into touch with the colder air found up above, it dramatically cools. These vapors condense as a cloud, which is carried by air currents and winds as they move around the globe. Condensation Formation of clouds and fog Condensation occurs when water vapor in the air cools down and transitions back into liquid form. This process requires specific conditions to take place. Condensation Formation of clouds and fog In the formation of clouds, fog, mist, or frost depends on the specific circumstances.
Clouds Fog and mist Frost
Condensation Role of Temperature and Humidity Temperature and Humidity both play important roles in the process of condensation. The temperature has the role of transporting and changing the water vapors. Condensation Role of Temperature and Humidity Humidity, which represents the amount of water vapor in the air, also influences condensation. It is usually represented as a percentage, showing the ratio of the actual moisture in the air to the maximum amount it can contain at a given temperature. Precipitation Definition Precipitation is any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls back to the earth. It takes several forms, including rain, sleet, and snow. Precipitation Rainfall explanation When the temperature is above freezing point (0 degrees Celsius), water vapors in the air will condense and form water droplets. However, this condensation process requires the presence of dust particles or other impurities as nuclei for the droplets to form around. Precipitation Snowfall explanation
In very cold temperatures or under extremely low air
pressure, the water droplets freeze and descend as snowflakes or hailstones. Precipitation Type of Precipitation (Rain)
Rain is the most frequently observed
type of precipitation. Raindrops that exceed 0.02 inches or 0.5 mm in diameter are commonly recognized as raindrops. Precipitation Type of Precipitation (Snow) Snow is a form of precipitation that descends from the atmosphere as tiny ice crystals. These snow crystals typically exhibit a branched and star-like structure with six distinct points. They are created when water vapor in the clouds freezes and subsequently falls to the ground. Precipitation Type of Precipitation (Sleet)
Sleet is a form of precipitation that
consists of frozen raindrops or snowflakes that have undergone a process of refreezing after reaching the ground. Precipitation Type of Precipitation (Hail) Hail is a form of precipitation that descends from the sky as small ice balls or pieces, each measuring at least ¼ inch (5 mm) in diameter or larger. It is typically associated with thunderstorms and can cause significant damage to crops and property when the hailstones reach a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or HAIL more. Precipitation Factors Influencing Precipitation Patterns
The main factors that affect precipitation
include prevailing winds, the presence of mountains, and seasons. Prevailing winds carry warm, moist air or cool air over the land. Sublimation Definition
Sublimation is the process of a
solid (especially snow or ice) turning into a gas (water vapor) without becoming liquid. It usually occurs as a result of dry winds and low humidity. Sublimation Occurrence in the Water Cycle Sublimation is the process by which water transitions directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) without going through the liquid phase. It occurs when the surface of ice or snow is exposed to dry air with low humidity and temperature conditions below the freezing point of water. Deposition Definition
Deposition is the exact
GAS SOLID opposite of sublimation where gas turns into solid directly. Runoff Definition The water, being on the ground, is being pulled to its resting point where some of it is compiled into a body of water until it reaches the ocean. Runoff Definition When rainfall does not contribute to the formation of aquifers, it instead follows the force of gravity and tends to flow downhill along the slopes of mountains and hills, eventually converging to form rivers. This natural process is known as runoff. Runoff Pathways of Runoff (Streams) When it rains, the water that does not soak into the ground or being absorbed by plants begins to flow across the land surface. This extra water collects and forms little channels known as rills, which eventually connect to form bigger channels known as streams. Runoff Pathways of Runoff (Rivers) Rivers act as natural channels for water to flow from higher elevations to lower elevations. They transport runoff water downstream, eventually emptying into bigger bodies of water like lakes, reservoirs, or seas. Runoff Pathways of Runoff (Groundwater) Some of the runoff water infiltrates into the ground, percolating through the soil and rock layers. This water accumulates in underground reservoirs called aquifers. Runoff Pathways of Runoff (Snowmelt) Precipitation falls as snow in cold climatic zones throughout the winter. The piled snow begins to melt as temperatures increase, releasing water into the ecosystem. Infiltration Definition
When rainwater seeps into
the ground, it undergoes infiltration, with the absorption level depending on the type of material it permeates. Percolation Definition Percolation is the process of water moving downward through soil or porous materials. It involves water seeping through the spaces between soil particles. Importance of Infiltration and Percolation in Groundwater Recharge Infiltration and percolation are vital processes for groundwater recharge, providing a constant supply of water for a variety of uses. Water may penetrate the soil through infiltration, while percolation allows it to travel downward through soil layers. Infiltration Channel Management Transpiration Definition
Transpiration is the process
by which water evaporates into the atmosphere through plants. Transpiration Definition During transpiration, plants absorb water and nutrients from the underground through their roots. Some of this water is then released through specialized structures called stomata, located on the underside of the leaves. Influence of Environmental Factors on Transpiration Rates Temperature
In general, higher temperatures increase
transpiration rates. As temperatures rise, water molecules within plants gain energy and evaporate faster, resulting in increased transpiration. Influence of Environmental Factors on Transpiration Rates Humidity High humidity reduces transpiration because the air already holds a substantial amount of moisture, leading to a lower concentration gradient between the plant and the surrounding atmosphere. Influence of Environmental Factors on Transpiration Rates Light Intensity
The amount of light influences the opening
and shutting of stomata, or small holes on plant leaves. Influence of Environmental Factors on Transpiration Rates Soil Moisture
The availability of water in the soil has a
direct influence on transpiration. Plants may limit transpiration rates to preserve water when soil moisture is low. Plants that are well-watered have greater transpiration rates. Impact of Human Activities on the Water Cycle Humans have a great impact on the water cycle, but sadly mostly not great impacts activities like damming rivers for hydroelectricity, using water for farming, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels disrupt the water cycle. Effects of Climate Change on the Water Cycle Increased Evaporation Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, resulting in more water vapor in the atmosphere. Effects of Climate Change on the Water Cycle Changes in Precipitation Patterns Climate change affects the distribution, intensity, and frequency of precipitation events, causing changes in rainfall patterns and increasing the chance of extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rain. Effects of Climate Change on the Water Cycle Melting Glaciers and Ice Caps
Higher temperatures cause the melting of
glaciers and ice caps, contributing to rising sea levels and altering freshwater availability in certain regions. Effects of Climate Change on the Water Cycle Increased Water Stress
Climate change worsens water shortages
in arid and semi-arid countries, harming agriculture, ecosystems, and human water supply. CONCLUSION Summary of Important Key Points • Water is essential for all forms of life and plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
• The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is the continuous
movement of water on Earth through processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, percolation, transpiration, and runoff. Summary of Important Key Points • Evaporation is the process by which water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. Factors such as temperature, surface area, humidity, and wind speed influence the rate of evaporation.
• Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and
transitions back into liquid form. It leads to the formation of clouds, fog, mist, or frost depending on specific conditions. Temperature and humidity play important roles in condensation. Summary of Important Key Points • Precipitation refers to any form of liquid or frozen water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. It includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Prevailing winds, mountains, and seasons influence precipitation patterns.
• Infiltration is the process of water seeping into the ground
from the surface. Percolation is the downward movement of water through soil or permeable rock layers. These processes replenish groundwater and contribute to the water cycle. Summary of Important Key Points • Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants through their leaves. It is an important part of the water cycle as it contributes to the moisture in the atmosphere.
• Runoff is the flow of water across the Earth's surface due to
gravity. It can form rivers, streams, and eventually reaches bodies of water like lakes and oceans. Snowmelt also contributes to runoff. Importance of Ongoing Research and Understanding of the Water Cycle Water Resource Management Ongoing research on the water cycle helps in managing water resources effectively by understanding precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, and runoff. This knowledge is crucial for allocating water, managing reservoirs, and mitigating drought. Importance of Ongoing Research and Understanding of the Water Cycle Climate Prediction and Weather Forecasting Understanding the water cycle improves climate prediction and weather forecasting by studying interactions between water vapor, clouds, and atmospheric conditions. Importance of Ongoing Research and Understanding of the Water Cycle Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity Research on the water cycle helps assess the impact of changing precipitation patterns and temperature on ecosystems. It aids in understanding ecosystem resilience to climate change, identifying vulnerable habitats, and developing conservation strategies. Importance of Ongoing Research and Understanding of the Water Cycle Water Quality and Pollution Management
By studying the processes of Water Cycle,
researchers identify sources of pollution and develop strategies for water quality management. Importance of Ongoing Research and Understanding of the Water Cycle Sustainable Water Utilization
Research on the water cycle informs strategies
for optimizing water use in agriculture, industry, and households. Encouragement For Individual and Collective Actions to Protect and Conserve Water Resources. • Raise awareness and provide education about the importance of water conservation and the consequences of water scarcity.
• Implement policies and regulations that promote
water-saving practices and technologies. Encouragement For Individual and Collective Actions to Protect and Conserve Water Resources. • Offer economic incentives such as pricing structures and subsidies to motivate water conservation.
• Engage communities through programs and events that
encourage active participation in water conservation efforts.
• Embrace technological advancements that enable efficient
