Vesistöprosessit

Vesistöprosessit, or water cycle processes, are the continuous movement of water within the Earth's hydrosphere. This cycle consists of several key processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, primarily occurring from bodies of water, plants, and soil. This water vapor then rises into the atmosphere and cools, leading to condensation, where the water vapor turns back into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These droplets or crystals form clouds, which can grow and eventually become heavy enough to fall to the Earth's surface as precipitation, such as rain, snow, or sleet. The water that falls to the surface collects in various ways, including flowing into rivers and lakes, infiltrating the ground to become groundwater, or accumulating in ice caps and glaciers. This collected water can then evaporate again, restarting the cycle. The water cycle is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, as it distributes water across the planet and supports ecosystems. Human activities can impact the water cycle, with changes in land use, climate change, and pollution affecting the natural processes. Understanding and managing the water cycle is essential for water resource planning, conservation, and sustainable development.