The water cycle shows the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. 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 cycle follows a cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Earth’s water is in the oceans, rivers, lakes, and seas. When the sun heats up water from these sources, it evaporates as vapour and rises into the air. Rising vapour cools and condenses into clouds. The clouds get heavy and water falls back to the ground in the form of rain or snow. The rain replenishes the oceans, rivers, and ground water aquifers. This cycle continues again and again. In essence, we are using and re-using the same water that has been on Earth since the beginning of time.
The water cycle describes how water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into rain or snow in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation. The water falling on land collects in rivers and lakes, soil, and porous layers of rock, and much of it flows back into the oceans, where it will once more evaporate. The cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere is a significant aspect of the weather patterns on Earth.
Why is water cycle important?
Water is the basis for life. Water cycle ensures the availability of water for all life on Earth and maintenance of most ecosystem on the planet.
The water cycle influences global temperature. When water evaporates, it takes up energy from its surroundings and cools the environment. When it condenses, it releases energy and warms the environment. These heat exchanges influence climate.
It also influences rainfall and related weather changes in an area.
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