The water cycle serves to maintain the balance of the earth's ecosystems, and provide fresh and pure water to all living beings, thanks to the recirculation of this vital liquid.
Water is present on earth in three physical states: solid (snow and ice), liquid (oceans, lakes, rivers and seas), and gaseous (water vapor).
All forms of water participate in this cycle, which takes place consequently and which is essential for the development of life on planet Earth. Life without water would not be possible. The reuse of this valuable and limited resource is only viable thanks to the water cycle.
The water cycle is a process that occurs due to the interactions of chemical, biological and geographical reactions in the environment. Thus, the water that is on the surface in a liquid state tends to evaporate, thanks to the action of sunlight..
Then the water vapor condenses, forms clouds and gives rise to precipitation. In turn, these precipitations seep into the earth, ending the cycle and promoting its reactivation..
- Water is a non-renewable resource. Without the water cycle, this vital liquid could not be reused, and consequently it would be depleted in an accelerated way until it disappears from planet Earth..
Thanks to the water cycle, it is purified due to changes in state, and the recirculation process makes its use suitable again..
- The hydrological cycle induces the circulation of water through different ecosystems, favoring the balance of the environment.
- Through this cycle, water is always available to supply the hydration, nutrition and subsistence needs of plants, animals and human beings, originating and conserving life..
- Precipitation and surface water runoff have a direct impact on the cycle of other elements present in nature, such as nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and phosphorus..
The water cycle has six main phases:
1) Evaporation: surface water evaporates and, as it changes state, its weight decreases and rises to the atmosphere.
two) Condensation: water vapor condenses in the atmosphere. Subsequently, hundreds of thousands of drops constitute the clouds.
3) Precipitation: the drops get bigger and bigger and descend towards the surface in the form of rain, snow or hail.
4) Infiltration: part of the water is used directly by plants, animals and humans, the other portion of the rainwater passes through the ground and becomes groundwater.
5) Runoff: water travels almost imperceptibly across the surface, under the ground, depending on the type of soil.
6) Underground circulation: runoff water continues to slide below the surface until it is absorbed by tree roots, or flows into nearby bodies of water, restarting the cycle.
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