Water Cycle

Water cycle is continuous movement of water from earth to atmosphere and back. This process occurs in the cycle continuously so it is called the water cycle.

What is the Water Cycle

In the process of the water cycle, movements of water occur from one reservoir to another. However, the content of water on the planet remains constant. The process involves evaporation of water from reservoirs, condensation of water, precipitation, and, then again the process restarts as a loop. This process occurs in the cycle continuously; therefore it is called the water cycle. It also requires energy. Consequently, maintaining the temperature too.

States of Water

Water has specifically three states. These states are-

Solid-State- The water in a solid-state is in the form of ice.

Liquid State- The water in a liquid state is in the form of water.

Gaseous State- The water in a gaseous state is in the form of vapors.

Water Cycle Steps     

There are many steps in this process. These processes include-

1. Evaporation of Water

The water of the reservoirs like oceans, seas, lakes, etc gets evaporated. Most importantly, it is the first step of the process. The water from the source gets absorbed by the heat energy of the sun. The evaporation helps in maintaining the temperature of the bodies.

2.Condensation

It is the second step of the process. Now, the water gets into the atmosphere in the form of vapors. The temperature is, however, low in the atmosphere. As a result, the water vapors transform into small ice or water droplets. Moreover, they condense and form clouds.

3. Sublimation

Sublimation is the process of direct conversion of solid into liquid and vice versa. However, the process of sublimation is not so common. But, it does occur in certain specific conditions. When the pressure is quite high and the temperature is low, sublimation happens. Moreover, it usually occurs in the Northern and Southern poles or mountain tops.

4. Precipitation

Precipitation is the conversion of clouds in the rain or snowfall. In other words, precipitation is the phenomenon when the evaporated water returns back to the earth’s surface in the form of rain or snow. This happens because of temperature changes, or when the clouds couldn’t hold water now.

If the temperature gets around freezing point (0° Celsius), then the water returns in the form of snow.

5. Canopy Interception

However, if the precipitation gets intercepted by the foliage of the plant, it doesn’t reach the earth. But, it eventually evaporates back into the atmosphere.

6. Run-off

This is the process in which the precipitated water runs over the surface of the earth. Moreover, it can be in any form, either water or snow. During the runoff, water takes the topsoil with it.

7. Infiltration

In the process of infiltration, the water instead of going in the lakes or rivers percolates inside the soil. This may happen due to the gravitational force. This water is now referring to as groundwater. Groundwater is one of the purest forms of water and is drinkable.

The infiltration rate is the measurement of soil soaking water per hour.

8. Transpiration

Transpiration is the process involving green plants. The process of evaporation of water from the aerial parts of the plants is transpiration. For example, transpiration from the leaves, stems, and flowers. The water transforms into vapors by the plant’s stomata.

The water cycle

No doubt, every single life on this planet depends upon water. Consequently, clean and easily available water source becomes our topmost priority. However, if the water cycle stops then we will have only 48 hours before all the water is cast out.

The importance of this phenomenon includes-

Purification of Available Water

The human body consists of about 45% to 60% of water. As a result, this makes the water cycle one of the most important events of the ecosystem, as it provides water in its pure and natural form. Although, there is around 71% of water available on earth. However, only 3% of the total available water is fresh.

Therefore, it plays an important role in the purification of this impure water. The water after evaporation and precipitation becomes pure. Rainwater is one of the purest forms of water.

Uneven Distribution of Water

The distribution of water on the earth’s surface is uneven. Due to this, some places experience scarcity of water. Moreover, if there is no water cycle, then all the water will push towards oceans due to gravity. As a result, every other place will be devoid of water.

Therefore, it plays an important role in the distribution of water all across the globe.

Effect on Climate

The evaporation of water from oceans and precipitation on areas causes a great change in the climate of the regions. Moreover, with the absence of a water cycle, the temperature of the earth will increase at a very high rate. As a result, global warming will increase considerably.

Rainfall and Plants

Most importantly, rainfall is very important for the normal growth of plants. However, some plants do not grow in their absence. As plants are the primary source of almost all living organisms on the earth, consequently its loss will put a drastic effect on them too.

Effects of Pollution

The continuous increase in pollution creates hurdles in the running of a healthy and normal ecosystem. The same has many drastic effects on the water cycle. Some of these effects are-

• There are many pollutants in the air such as aerosol particles. Nitrates, sulphates, fly ash, organic particles, and mineral dust forms this pollutant. Aerosol on reaction with evaporated water forms a brownish-grey haze.

This haze can cause unpredictable rain. Moreover, it causes rain in areas with high pollution and causing an increase in water pollution.

• Air pollution can also cause changes in it. The pollutants deplete the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. Consequently, this affects the rate of evaporation and causing a big change in the phenomenon.
• Due to many causes, there is a steady rise in air pollution. When the water comes in the form of precipitation, the pollutants may react with the water droplets. As a result, the rainwater becomes polluted, causing acid rain.

FAQs on Water Cycle

Question 1- How to describe a water cycle?

Answer 1- It is the continuous movement of water from the earth to the atmosphere and back. However, it seems quite an easy process. But it involves many complicated steps. The process involves evaporation of water from reservoirs, condensation of water, precipitation, and then again the process restarts as a loop.

Question 2- What are the steps of the water cycle?

Answer 2- There are many steps in this process. These include-

• Evaporation of Water
• Condensation
• Sublimation
• Precipitation
• Precipitation
• Transpiration
• Run-off
• Infiltration

Question 3- What is the importance of the water cycle?

Answer 3- No doubt, every single life on this planet depends upon water. Consequently, clean and easily available water source becomes our topmost priority. The importance of this phenomenon is-

• Provides water in its pure and natural form.
• It plays an important role in the distribution of water all across the globe.
• It helps in maintaining optimum temperature and climate.
• The rainfall caused due to it, aids in the natural growth of plants.