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Class Notes: The Water Cycle

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Hardana Gading Perdana Putra
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10 views2 pages

Class Notes: The Water Cycle

Uploaded by

Hardana Gading Perdana Putra
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Class Notes: The Water Cycle

Date: November 12, 2024

1. Definition of the Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water
within the Earth and its atmosphere. This process is powered by the sun and involves several
stages where water changes forms between liquid, vapor, and ice.

2. Key Processes of the Water Cycle

A. Evaporation

 Definition: The process where water changes from a liquid to a vapor.


 Details: Heat from the sun causes water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and even soil to
evaporate into the atmosphere.

B. Transpiration

 Definition: The release of water vapor from plants.


 Details: Plants absorb water through their roots and release it as vapor through tiny
pores called stomata, primarily on their leaves.

C. Condensation

 Definition: The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid
droplets.
 Details: As water vapor rises into the atmosphere, it cools and forms clouds through
condensation.

D. Precipitation

 Definition: Water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
 Details: When clouds become saturated with water droplets, the droplets combine,
grow heavier, and fall back to Earth due to gravity.

E. Collection/Runoff

 Definition: The movement of water on the Earth's surface.


 Details: Water from precipitation flows across the surface (runoff) and collects in
rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some water infiltrates into the soil, replenishing
groundwater.

3. Importance of the Water Cycle

 Redistribution of Water: Ensures a balanced distribution of water across the planet,


supporting ecosystems and human needs.
 Temperature Regulation: Water cycle processes like evaporation help regulate
Earth's temperature.
 Supports Life: Provides fresh water, essential for all living organisms.
 Erosion and Weathering: Influences geological changes on Earth, helping to form
land features and shape ecosystems.

4. Factors Affecting the Water Cycle

 Solar Energy: Sunlight intensity influences evaporation rates and impacts other
processes.
 Topography: Mountains and valleys affect precipitation patterns and water flow.
 Climate: Temperature and humidity levels impact evaporation, condensation, and
precipitation rates.
 Vegetation: Forested areas have higher rates of transpiration, influencing local
humidity and precipitation.

5. Human Impacts on the Water Cycle

 Urbanization: Increases runoff and decreases groundwater recharge due to


impermeable surfaces.
 Deforestation: Reduces transpiration and can disrupt local rainfall patterns.
 Pollution: Contaminates water supplies, affecting precipitation quality and water
availability.
 Climate Change: Alters evaporation and precipitation patterns, leading to extreme
weather conditions like droughts and floods.

6. Key Terms

 Infiltration: The process by which water soaks into the ground and replenishes
groundwater.
 Groundwater: Water that is stored in underground reservoirs or aquifers.
 Watershed: An area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt into streams and
rivers, eventually leading to larger bodies of water.

Summary: The water cycle is an essential natural process that moves water between the
Earth and its atmosphere. It provides freshwater, regulates temperature, and supports all
forms of life. Human activity can significantly impact the water cycle, underlining the need
for sustainable water management practices.

This is a complete overview of the water cycle, which can be used for studying Earth Science
or Environmental Science. Let me know if you'd like another topic or if I can add more
details

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