vedenkiertojärjestelmän
The vedentekijäjärjestelmän, often translated as the water circulation system or hydrological cycle, refers to the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This fundamental process involves several key stages. Evaporation is the transformation of water from a liquid to a gas or vapor, primarily driven by solar energy. This water vapor then rises into the atmosphere. Condensation occurs when this water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds. Precipitation is the release of water from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Once on the Earth's surface, water can follow various paths. Some of it flows over the land as surface runoff, eventually collecting in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Another portion infiltrates into the ground, becoming groundwater. This groundwater can be stored in underground aquifers or flow towards surface water bodies. Transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves, also contributes to atmospheric moisture. The vedentekijäjärjestelmän is a closed system, meaning the total amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant, though its form and location are constantly changing. This cycle is crucial for sustaining life, regulating climate, and shaping landscapes.