Water cycle | iexam

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
It is a crucial biogeochemical cycle that sustains life by redistributing water across different ecosystems.
The water cycle involves key processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
Evaporation is the process where water changes from liquid to vapor due to heat from the Sun.
Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and undergoes condensation, forming clouds.
Precipitation occurs when condensed water droplets in clouds combine and fall to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Some precipitation infiltrates the soil, replenishing groundwater reserves, while the rest contributes to surface runoff.
Surface runoff flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans, completing the cycle.
The water cycle helps regulate the Earth's climate by redistributing heat through evaporation and precipitation.
Transpiration, the release of water vapor by plants, is an integral part of the water cycle.
Infiltrated water moves through soil layers, replenishing aquifers and providing freshwater storage.
Oceans act as the largest reservoir of water in the cycle, holding about 97% of the Earth's water.
Freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes, account for less than 1% of the total water on Earth.
The Sun is the primary energy source driving the water cycle.
Water vapor contributes to the greenhouse effect, impacting the Earth's temperature and climate systems.
Human activities, such as deforestation and urbanization, disrupt the natural water cycle.
Groundwater extraction for agriculture and industry can deplete aquifers and alter local water availability.
Water cycle disruptions, such as reduced rainfall, can lead to droughts and water scarcity.
Excessive runoff due to reduced infiltration can increase the risk of flooding.
Water from glaciers and polar ice caps contributes to the water cycle through melting, impacting sea levels.
The water cycle supports ecosystem services like soil moisture regulation and nutrient transport.
Cloud formation and precipitation are essential for maintaining freshwater supplies for all living organisms.
Evaporation from oceans accounts for approximately 86% of the global water cycle's input.
Precipitation over land is vital for recharging rivers, lakes, and aquifers.
The water cycle connects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, creating interdependencies among them.
Water vapor transport in the atmosphere can lead to rainfall far from its source.
Changes in the water cycle can exacerbate climate change by altering weather patterns and temperature.
Improper management of water resources can disrupt the natural flow of the water cycle.
Conservation efforts, such as rainwater harvesting, support the sustainable management of water in the cycle.
The water cycle plays a key role in nutrient cycling, such as the transport of minerals and sediments in rivers.
Wetlands act as natural filters in the water cycle, improving water quality.
Understanding the water cycle is essential for addressing global water challenges.
Climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña influence the water cycle by altering precipitation patterns.
Anthropogenic emissions can lead to changes in atmospheric moisture content, affecting the cycle.
Glaciers and ice caps serve as crucial water reservoirs, slowly releasing water into the cycle through melting.
The water cycle maintains ecological balance by ensuring the distribution of freshwater globally.
Groundwater recharge is slower in arid regions, making them more vulnerable to water shortages.
Urbanization often reduces infiltration and increases runoff, stressing the water cycle.
Forests play a significant role in the water cycle by facilitating transpiration and rainfall.
The water cycle's balance is critical for sustaining agriculture and food production.
Disruption of the water cycle can lead to desertification and loss of biodiversity.
Efforts to restore natural landscapes, like reforestation, can stabilize the water cycle.
Studies on the water cycle contribute to improved weather forecasting and disaster management.