How does the water cycle affect the environment?
A region’s temperature also relies on the water cycle. 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.
Where does most of the water in the water cycle go?
Most precipitation lands in the oceans. Precipitation that falls onto land flows into rivers, streams, and lakes. Some of it seeps into the soil where it is held underground as groundwater. When warmed by the sun, water on the surface of oceans and freshwater bodies evaporates, forming a vapor.
What are landforms formed by weathering and erosion?
Erosion by water and wind can wear down land and create landforms like valleys and canyons. Both processes happen over a long period of time, sometimes millions of years.
How does tectonic platemovement cause landforms?
Tectonic platemovement under the Earth can create landforms by pushing up mountains and hills. Erosionby water and wind can wear down land and create landforms like valleys and canyons. Both processes happen over a long period of time, sometimes millions of years.
How is water returned to the ground in the water cycle?
In a process called sublimation, solid water, such as ice or snow, can transform directly into water vapor without first becoming a liquid. A misty cloud rises over Deer Streams National Park. The water cycle contains more steps than just rain and evaporation, fog and mist are other ways for water to be returned to the ground.
When did the earth’s water cycle begin and end?
About 75 percent of our planet is covered by water or ice. The water cycle is the endless process that connects all of that water. It joins the Earth’s oceans, land, and atmosphere. The Earth’s water cycle began about 3.8 billion years ago when rain fell on a cooling Earth, forming the oceans.