Scribd
Upload
6 views2 pages

Class Notes Water Cycle

The document provides an overview of the water cycle, detailing its four main stages: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, and Collection, along with their processes and impacts. It highlights how temperature, geography, human activities, and climate change affect the water cycle. Understanding these processes is crucial for sustainable water resource management.

Uploaded by

omidh2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views2 pages

Class Notes Water Cycle

The document provides an overview of the water cycle, detailing its four main stages: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, and Collection, along with their processes and impacts. It highlights how temperature, geography, human activities, and climate change affect the water cycle. Understanding these processes is crucial for sustainable water resource management.

Uploaded by

omidh2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Class Notes: Introduction to the Water Cycle

Date: July 1, 2025

Learning Objectives
• Describe the main stages of the water cycle.
• Understand the processes driving each stage.
• Explain how the water cycle impacts climate and ecosystems.
• Identify human activities affecting the water cycle.

Introduction
The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the
surface of the Earth. It plays a critical role in weather patterns, climate regulation, and supports all
forms of life.

Process Overview
The water cycle consists of four main stages: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, and Collection.

1. Evaporation
• Definition: Conversion of liquid water to water vapor.
• Primary Sources: Oceans, lakes, rivers, and soil moisture.
• Energy Source: Solar radiation provides the energy.

2. Condensation
• Definition: Water vapor cools and changes into liquid droplets.
• Formation of Clouds: Tiny droplets cluster around particles.
• Temperature Dependency: Occurs when air reaches dew point.

3. Precipitation
• Definition: Liquid or solid water falls to Earth’s surface.
• Forms: Rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
• Influencing Factors: Temperature and air saturation.

4. Collection
• Definition: Water gathers in bodies of water and soil.
• Runoff vs Infiltration: Surface flow vs groundwater recharge.
• Role in Ecosystems: Provides freshwater to plants and animals.
Factors Affecting the Water Cycle
• Temperature: Affects evaporation and precipitation patterns.
• Geography: Mountains influence rainfall distribution.
• Human Impact: Urbanization and deforestation alter cycle.
• Climate Change: Alters timing and intensity of each stage.

Summary
The water cycle is a vital Earth system, driving weather, supporting ecosystems, and shaping climates.
Understanding its processes is essential for managing water resources sustainably.

References
• Travis, D. (2015). Physical Geography: The Water Cycle. GeoPress.
• Smith, L. (2018). Essentials of Meteorology. Academic Publishing.

You might also like