The hydrological cycle illustrates the continuous movement of water above and below the Earth’s surface. This natural process involves three primary stages: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, along with other associated phenomena.
In the initial stage, solar heat causes water from the oceans to evaporate, turning it from liquid to vapor. Remarkably, this evaporation process contributes to 80% of the water vapor in the atmosphere. As the vapor ascends, it undergoes condensation, leading to the formation of clouds. These clouds eventually precipitate in various forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on atmospheric conditions.
Once precipitation occurs, the water returns to the Earth’s surface, replenishing lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Snow on mountain peaks melts and flows into rivers, contributing to the surface runoff that eventually reaches the oceans. Meanwhile, some water percolates through soil layers, replenishing groundwater reserves. This continuous cycle also involves the movement of water through impervious layers, leading to the intrusion of saltwater into the oceans.
Overall, the hydrological cycle is a dynamic and ongoing process, ensuring the constant circulation of water on Earth.