What is the water cycle and how does water change as it goes through the cycle?
The water cycle on Earth It is a complex system that includes many different processes. Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow. Water in different phases moves through the atmosphere (transportation).
How are these changes affecting the water cycle?
Put simply, water evaporates from the land and sea, which eventually returns to Earth as rain and snow. Climate change intensifies this cycle because as air temperatures increase, more water evaporates into the air. Still more evaporation from the soil and an increased risk of drought.
Does the water cycle stop at night?
The water cycle is not affected by the day/night cycle. It is ongoing at all times, merely changing its processes due to the presence of sunlight.
What would happen if there was no water cycle in nature?
Without flowing water, natural water sources would become contaminated with other species of plants, making it very hard to filter. Rainwater would also be a useless source because of the lack of precipitation. If the water cycle stopped, every dam and waterwheel would be useless.
What happens to water in the water cycle?
As it moves through this cycle, it changes forms. Water is the only substance that naturally exists in three states on Earth – solid, liquid, and gas. Over 96% of total global water is in the ocean, so let’s start there. Energy from the sun causes water on the surface to evaporate into water vapor – a gas.
How is the evaporation of water influenced by the Sun?
The evaporation process of the water cycle steps is made so by the sun. As the sun heats the water on the surface of the ocean, the water turns into vapor. However, evaporation is also influenced by wind, temperature and the density of the specific body of water. Quick fact, 86% of global evaporation happens over the ocean.
How does evaporation and transpiration affect the water cycle?
Evaporation and transpiration change liquid water into vapor, which ascends into the atmosphere due to rising air currents. Cooler temperatures aloft allow the vapor to condense into clouds and strong winds move the clouds around the world until the water falls as precipitation to replenish the earthbound parts of the water cycle.
Which is the first step in the water cycle?
The first water cycle step starts with the atmosphere pulling water out of the big bodies of water. During this process, surface water turns into water vapor. This is done by the transfer of heat energy. Water absorbs this heat energy and turns into its gaseous state.