THE WATER CYCLE
Name: Princess May C. Panoy Grade 6- Magsaysay
Evaporation
This is the process by which liquid water turns into water
vapor (a gas) when it is exposed to heat or energy from the
sun. Water from sources like oceans, lakes, rivers, and even
moist soil can evaporate when heated by the sun's energy.
This water vapor rises into the atmosphere.
Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water
is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, which
rises into the atmosphere.
Condensation
Condensation is the process by which a gas or vapor
changes into a liquid. It is the opposite of evaporation,
which is the transformation of a liquid into a gas.
Condensation occurs when a gas loses heat energy
and its molecules slow down, allowing them to come
together and form a liquid. It also has various practical
applications, such as in the operation of refrigeration
and air conditioning systems, where it's used to
remove heat from the surroundings.
Precipitation
Precipitation refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that
falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. It is a
fundamental component of the Earth's water cycle and
plays a crucial role in replenishing freshwater sources.
Precipitation occurs when water droplets or ice crystals in
the atmosphere become heavy enough to fall due to
gravity. Precipitation can take various forms, including rain,
snow, sleet, or hail.
Infiltration
The precipitation that falls on the land can follow two main
paths. It can either infiltrate, or seep into the ground,
becoming groundwater. Alternatively, it can flow over the
surface, forming streams and rivers, and eventually
reaching the ocean. The balance between runoff and
infiltration is crucial for water resource management, as it
affects groundwater recharge, surface water availability,
and the potential for flooding.
Transpiration
Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by
the roots of plants and then released into the atmosphere
as water vapor through small openings called stomata on
the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant parts.
Transpiration is an important part of the water cycle
because it returns water to the atmosphere, where it can
eventually condense and form clouds, contributing to the
formation of precipitation.
Sublimation
Sublimation is a phase transition in which a substance
changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing
through the intermediate liquid phase. This process occurs
when a substance gains enough thermal energy (heat) to
break its solid-state molecular bonds and transition to a
gaseous state. Conversely, deposition is the reverse
process, where a substance changes directly from a gas to
a solid without passing through the liquid phase. Some ice
and snow on the Earth's surface can directly change from a
solid state to a vapor state without melting first.
Groundwater Flow
Groundwater flow refers to the movement of water through
the subsurface of the Earth within the saturated zone,
where the spaces between soil or rock particles are filled
with water. Groundwater is a critical component of the
Earth's water cycle, and its flow is influenced by various
factors, including geological formations, topography, and
human activities. Water that has infiltrated the ground can
flow through underground aquifers. It may resurface
through natural springs or be extracted for human use.
