Hydrological Cycle

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This cycle is crucial for the distribution of water across the planet and plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface and sustaining life.

Below is a study guide for the hydrological cycle:

1. Evaporation: This is the process by which water is converted from its liquid state to water vapor due to the heat from the sun.
2. Transpiration: This is the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.
3. Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into tiny droplets to form clouds.
4. Precipitation: When the condensed water droplets become too heavy, they fall to the Earth's surface as precipitation, which can be in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Surface Runoff: Precipitation that does not infiltrate the soil flows over the land and eventually reaches streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
6. Infiltration: Some precipitation seeps into the ground, becoming groundwater, which can be stored in aquifers or eventually return to the surface through springs or be extracted through wells.
7. Surface Storage: Water is stored in various surface water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

Understanding the hydrological cycle is fundamental to understanding the movement and distribution of water on Earth.