Water Cycle

Overview

The Water Cycle (also known as the hydrologic cycle)  is a gigantic worldwide system  powered by energy from the sun in which the atmosphere provides the vital link between the oceans and continents.

Condensation

Condensation is the change of water from its gaseous form (water vapour) into liquid water. It generally occurs when the temperature of the vapour decreases.

Precipitation

Precipitation is the transfer of water from the atmosphere back to earth.

Transpiration

Transpiration is the transfer of water from plants to the atmosphere.

Evaporation

Evaporation is the conversion of water from liquid into a gas (vapour) or steam.

Streamflow

Water may flow in one of two ways, either as laminar flow or as turbulent flow.

Surface run-off

Surface runoff is the transfer of land-water to the oceans.

Percolation/Infiltration

Infiltration is the absorption of water by soil.

Groundwater Flow

Groundwater is water that has penetrated the earth’s surface.