Kosteussykliä

Kosteussykliä, also known as the water cycle or hydrologic cycle, is a fundamental process in the Earth's hydrosphere. It describes the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. The cycle consists of several key stages: evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. This occurs when the sun heats water bodies such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing water molecules to escape into the atmosphere. Transpiration is a similar process that occurs in plants, where water is released into the air through tiny openings in leaves.

As water vapor rises into the atmosphere, it cools and condenses, forming tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These tiny particles collide and grow, eventually becoming visible as clouds. This stage is known as condensation.

When the water droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall to the Earth's surface as precipitation. This can occur in various forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. The final stage of the water cycle is collection, where precipitation is collected by bodies of water, infiltrates the ground, or is absorbed by plants.

The water cycle is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. It regulates temperature, distributes fresh water, and supports various ecosystems. Human activities can impact the water cycle, leading to issues such as droughts, floods, and water scarcity. Understanding and managing the water cycle is essential for environmental conservation and sustainable resource use.