Hydrologiekreislauf

The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the continuous movement of water within the Earth's system. It involves several key processes: evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Evaporation occurs when the sun heats water bodies, causing water to change from a liquid to a gas. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. This water vapor then condenses to form clouds, a process known as condensation. When the clouds become saturated, precipitation occurs, which can take the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Some of this precipitation runs off the land surface into rivers and lakes, while some infiltrates the ground to replenish groundwater. This water can then evaporate again, continuing the cycle. The hydrologic cycle is crucial for maintaining the Earth's water balance and is essential for supporting life and ecosystems. It is influenced by various factors, including solar radiation, temperature, and topography. Understanding the hydrologic cycle is vital for managing water resources, predicting weather patterns, and addressing issues related to water scarcity and flooding.