vesikierrosta

Vesikierrosta, also known as the water cycle or hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This vital process is driven by solar energy and gravity.

The cycle begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even soil is converted into water vapor and rises into the atmosphere. Plants also release water vapor through transpiration. As this moist air rises, it cools, leading to condensation, where water vapor turns back into tiny liquid water droplets or ice crystals, forming clouds.

When these droplets or crystals become too heavy, precipitation occurs in various forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, returning water to the Earth's surface. Once on the ground, water can follow several paths. It might flow over the land as surface runoff, eventually collecting in bodies of water. Alternatively, it can infiltrate the soil, becoming groundwater, which can be stored in underground aquifers or seep back into rivers and oceans.

The water cycle is a closed system, meaning the total amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant. However, the distribution and form of water are constantly changing, influencing weather patterns, climate, and the availability of freshwater resources for all living organisms. This continuous circulation is essential for sustaining life on our planet.