Hydrologic Cycle “the Water Cycle”

THE WATER CYCLE The continuous process by which water moves through the living and nonliving parts of the environment

In the water cycle, water moves from bodies of water, land, and living things on Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back to Earth’s surface.

Just like in the rock cycle, water can take any pathway through the cycle.

Sources of energy in the Water Cycle Almost entirely driven by Solar radiation (heat from the sun) Influenced by gravity (Potential and Kinetic energy)

Steps in the water cycle EVAPORATION Molecules at the surface of a liquid absorb enough energy to change to the gaseous state. Evaporation over the ocean leaves behind the heavier salt molecules.

Steps in the water cycle EVAPOTRANSPIRATION Water given off through leaves of plants as water vapor (think of it like plants breathing)

Steps in the water cycle CONDENSATION Water changing form from gaseous state to liquid state Water molecules lose energy, often as they cool, and are no longer able to stay as a gas.

Steps in the water cycle PRECIPITATION Water that falls to Earth as rain, snow, hail, or sleet Most precipitation falls directly into the oceans. Dew Mist Fog Rain Hail Snow

Other minor steps Runoff Sub-surface flow Groundwater flow Water that flows over the ground surface rather than soaking into the ground Water that flows between the pores of rocks and soils in the ground Water flowing between the pores of rocks and soils in the ground immediately near a stream, river, or spring