Veetsükkel

Veetsükkel is a term used to describe the cyclical movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This continuous process involves various stages, including evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. The sun's energy drives evaporation, transforming liquid water into vapor that rises into the atmosphere. Plants also release water vapor through transpiration. As this vapor ascends, it cools and condenses, forming clouds. When the water droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall back to Earth as precipitation in forms like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This water then either infiltrates the ground, becoming groundwater, or flows over the surface as runoff, eventually returning to oceans, lakes, and rivers, where the cycle begins anew. The veetsükkel is a fundamental process for sustaining life on Earth, regulating climate, and shaping landscapes. It ensures the availability of freshwater resources, although its patterns can be influenced by factors such as temperature, topography, and human activities. Understanding the veetsükkel is crucial for managing water resources and addressing environmental challenges like drought and flooding.