Introduction
The hydrological cycle is a system that includes a few steps, or we can say a continuous cycle, that involve water, a necessary component of life on Earth. Water is purified, recycled, and distributed globally thanks to this natural process. Through this article, we will try to understand the basic process from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere and study various stages, their importance, and crucial functioning in maintaining our environmentÂ
What is the Hydrological cycle?
The Hydrological cycle is defined as the water movement from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back to the earth as part of the cycle, Hydrological cycle also known as the water cycle. Evaporation of water through oceans, land surfaces, vegetation, and water bodies and other surfaces is continuous. The evaporating water rises into the atmosphere, condense and eventually return to the surfaces as precipitation, clouds, rain snow, hail, and other types of precipitation are all the part of hydrological cycle. After that rainwater seeps into aquifers, rivers and lakes, it can be used by plants and animals after recharging the groundwater for groundwater and other reasons. At some point, the water evaporates back into the atmosphere to be recycled.
Hydrological cycle Diagram
Stages of Hydrological cycle/components
- Precipitation
- Evaporation
- Transpiration
- Infiltration
- Runoff
Precipitation
This occurs when the water droplets in the clouds get too heavy and fall as rain, snow, hail, or sleet to the surface of the Earth.
Evaporation
In an Evaporation, Water from the earth surface, like in Oceans, lakes and Rivers, Due to sunshine water converted into the vapours, and this process takes place, After that, this water vapour moves up into the atmosphere.
Transpiration
After the rain, plants or vegetation absorb it from the earth via their roots and release it into the atmosphere through their leaves. Similar to evaporation but only affecting plants,Â
Infiltration
After the rain, plants or vegetation absorb it from the earth via their roots and release it into the atmosphere through their leaves. Similar to evaporation, but only affecting plants,Â
Runoff
This process occurs when rain travels across the earth’s surface rather than seeping into the ground When there is a slope that stops the water from penetrating the soil or when the ground is saturated, this can occur.
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Process of hydrological cycle
- Condensation
- Sublimation
- Deposition
- Surface Runoff
- Groundwater Flow
Condensation
This occurs when the atmospheric water vapour cools and transforms back into liquid water. These processes lead to clouds developing in the sky.
Sublimation
Sublimation is the process by which water changes directly from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.
Deposition
Deposition is the process by which water vapor changes into ice without passing through the liquid phase.
Surface Runoff
Surface runoff is the process by which water flows over the surface of the earth and enters streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Groundwater Flow
Groundwater flow is the process by which water moves through the soil and rocks underground, helping us to recharge the groundwater table and reuse it later.
Importance of Water cycle or hydrological cycle
Freshwater Availability: The cycle ensures a constant supply of freshwater by moving water from oceans, lakes, and rivers into the atmosphere, then returning it as precipitation to nourish the planet’s surface.
Climate Regulation: The cycle aids in the distribution of heat by preventing severe weather and regulating temperatures through processes like evaporation and condensation.
Ecosystem Support: Water supplies for plants and animals are provided via run-off and infiltration, maintaining ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Natural Processes: Transpiration, the release of water vapour by plants, aids in temperature control and maintains moisture levels in the atmosphere.
Agriculture and Food Production: Water cycle is also essential for agriculture, enabling the growth of crops and ensuring food security for humans and animal populations
Water cycle and climate changes
The hydrological cycle is very important for maintaining the earth’s climate. As we know, water evaporates from the earth’s surface due to absorbing heat energy from the environment and regulating the plant’s temperature. Following this, water vapour cools and condenses into clouds, reflecting sunlight back into space and preventing the earth’s temperature from becoming too hot.
Once the clouds form, they can release precipitation and cool the surrounding environment.
The water cycle also impacts weather patterns—warming, moist air can lead to precipitation and droughts in certain areas. Human activities can alter the water cycle for example, deforestation reduces the amount of water absorbed by plants, leading to less transpiration and less water vapour entering the atmosphere. Consequently, this can affect the level of precipitation and disrupt weather patterns. It is very important to understands the These process and their effects to maintain the balance for Earth’s Climate It is critical to understand these processes and their effects to maintain the balance of the Earth’s climate. If you want to know more, so go through the climate change article which is already published by clicking on this
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hydrological cycle is also known as the water cycle, which is a natural phenomena that involves the continuous water movements of water b/w the earth’s surface and the atmosphere.
Main stages of the water cycle are Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, run-off, and transpiration.
Water is transformed from a liquid to a gas by the process of evaporation, rising into the atmosphere. It’s an important phase that refills the air’s water vapour.
Condensation is the transformation of water vapour into liquid water droplets forming clouds. These clouds play a crucial role in the cycle by releasing precipitation.
Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all types of precipitation. It replenishes groundwater, lakes, rivers, and other water sources by bringing back water from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface.
In the infiltration water seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater, It replenishes underground aquifers and contributes to the water cycle.
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