How do plants participate in the water cycle?
The typical plant, including any found in a landscape, absorbs water from the soil through its roots. That water is then used for metabolic and physiologic functions. The water eventually is released to the atmosphere as vapor via the plant’s stomata — tiny, closeable, pore-like structures on the surfaces of leaves.
What is the relationship between plants and the water cycle?
Plants absorb water from the soil. The water moves from the roots through the stems to the leaves. Once water reaches the leaves, some of it evaporates from the leaves, adding to the amount of water vapor in the air. This process of evaporation through plant leaves is called transpiration.
What is water cycle important to plants?
Plants need water to grow and maintain their structure. During precipitation, water that falls on the ground is absorbed deep into the soil by plant roots. Vegetation plays an important role in the water cycle by preventing soil erosion and increasing groundwater levels.
How does water move from plants to the atmosphere?
Other water moves from plants to the atmosphere through the process of transpiration. As liquid water evaporates or transpires, it forms water vapor and clouds, where water droplets eventually gain enough mass to fall back to Earth as precipitation.
How does the water cycle affect the environment?
Through the water cycle, heat is exchanged and temperatures fluctuate. As water evaporates, for example, it absorbs energy and cools the local environment. As water condenses, it releases energy and warms the local environment. The water cycle also influences the physical geography of the Earth.
How does the removal of trees affect the water cycle?
Deforestation. The removal of trees (deforestation) is having a major impact on the water cycle, as local and global climates change. Normally, trees release water vapour when they transpire, producing a localised humidity. This water vapour then evaporates into the atmosphere where it accumulates before precipitating back to the Earth as rain,…
How are water, carbon and nitrogen cycles related?
They are the water, carbon and nitrogen cycles. We will go into depth with each cycle. Within the water cycle, energy is supplied by the sun, which drives evaporation whether it is from the ocean surfaces or from treetops and leaves.