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Hydrologic Cycle
Hydrologic Cycle
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
Grades
2 - 8
Subjects
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle

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water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
Great Lakes : A group of five large freshwater lakes in North America, located on the border between the United States and Canada: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
Switzerland : A country in Central Europe known for its neutrality, Alpine landscapes, and well-developed financial sector.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
Switzerland : A country in Central Europe known for its neutrality, Alpine landscapes, and well-developed financial sector.
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
ice caps : Smaller than ice sheets, covering an area of less than 50,000 square kilometers.
Antarctic ice sheet : A massive ice sheet covering Antarctica, containing the majority of the world's fresh water.
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
Cloud : A visible collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere
Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
Evaporation
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Water circulates through solid, liquid, and vapor : This describes the water cycle, where water shifts between different states, supporting life and environmental processes.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
water vapor is a greenhouse gas : Water vapor, like carbon dioxide, helps insulate Earth and keeps it warm enough to sustain life. However, too much can contribute to global warming.
water vapor is a greenhouse gas : Water vapor, like carbon dioxide, helps insulate Earth and keeps it warm enough to sustain life. However, too much can contribute to global warming.
Greenhouse gas : Gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide that insulate Earth and help maintain its temperature
water vapor is a greenhouse gas : Water vapor, like carbon dioxide, helps insulate Earth and keeps it warm enough to sustain life. However, too much can contribute to global warming.
Greenhouse gas : Gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide that insulate Earth and help maintain its temperature
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
Condensation
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Water circulates through solid, liquid, and vapor : This describes the water cycle, where water shifts between different states, supporting life and environmental processes.
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
Cloud : A visible collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
Cloud : A visible collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere
cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) : Cloud condensation nuclei are tiny particles or specks such as dust, salt, or pollutants around which cloud droplets can form through condensation.
Cloud : A visible collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere
Fog : A type of low-lying cloud or mist that does not fall as precipitation
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
dew point : Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor, and water begins to condense to form dew or clouds.
dew point : Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor, and water begins to condense to form dew or clouds.
Precipitation
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Fog : A type of low-lying cloud or mist that does not fall as precipitation
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
Other Processes
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
Condensation : The process where water vapor cools and turns into liquid
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
runoff : Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, that flows over the land's surface towards bodies of water like rivers or oceans.
runoff : Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, that flows over the land's surface towards bodies of water like rivers or oceans.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
transpiration : Transpiration is the process by which water absorbed by plants is evaporated into the atmosphere from plant surfaces, particularly from the leaves.
evapotranspiration : The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to the atmosphere.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
transpiration : Transpiration is the process by which water absorbed by plants is evaporated into the atmosphere from plant surfaces, particularly from the leaves.
evapotranspiration : The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to the atmosphere.
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
the water cycle consists of three major processes evaporation condensation and precipitation : These are essential parts of the water cycle; evaporation turns liquid water into gas, condensation turns vapor back to liquid, and precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
Evaporation : The process where liquid water turns into vapor
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Evaporation and condensation processes release and absorb energy : These processes impact local temperatures and climate by releasing or absorbing heat.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
transpiration : Transpiration is the process by which water absorbed by plants is evaporated into the atmosphere from plant surfaces, particularly from the leaves.
evapotranspiration : The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to the atmosphere.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Switzerland : A country in Central Europe known for its neutrality, Alpine landscapes, and well-developed financial sector.
transpiration : Transpiration is the process by which water absorbed by plants is evaporated into the atmosphere from plant surfaces, particularly from the leaves.
evapotranspiration : The sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's land and ocean surface to the atmosphere.
States of Water
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Water circulates through solid, liquid, and vapor : This describes the water cycle, where water shifts between different states, supporting life and environmental processes.
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
ice caps : Smaller than ice sheets, covering an area of less than 50,000 square kilometers.
Antarctic ice sheet : A massive ice sheet covering Antarctica, containing the majority of the world's fresh water.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
ice caps : Smaller than ice sheets, covering an area of less than 50,000 square kilometers.
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
Water vapor makes up about four percent of air above oceans : The higher concentration of water vapor over oceans affects humidity and climate conditions in coastal regions.
Water vapor concentration is less than one percent above deserts : Scarce water vapor in deserts leads to low humidity, influencing dry climate conditions.
The Water Cycle and Climate
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
humidity : The amount of water vapor present in the air.
Switzerland : A country in Central Europe known for its neutrality, Alpine landscapes, and well-developed financial sector.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
humidity : The amount of water vapor present in the air.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
climate : The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
temperature : A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object; an indicator of heat or cold.
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
The Water Cycle and the Landscape
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
glacial retreat : Glacial retreat is the process of glaciers melting faster than their ice can be replaced by new snow or ice, which can lead to reduced freshwater resources.
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
erosion : The process by which natural forces like water, wind, or ice wear away rocks and soil.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
Yosemite Valley : A glacial valley in Yosemite National Park, located in the western Sierra Nevada of Central California, USA.
Yosemite National Park : A national park in California, USA, known for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
Yosemite Valley : A glacial valley in Yosemite National Park, located in the western Sierra Nevada of Central California, USA.
Yosemite National Park : A national park in California, USA, known for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
California : A state in the western United States, known for its diverse geography and cultural influence.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glacial retreat : Glacial retreat is the process of glaciers melting faster than their ice can be replaced by new snow or ice, which can lead to reduced freshwater resources.
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
Matterhorn : A mountain in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy, known for its distinctive and iconic pyramid shape.
Alps : A major mountain range in Europe, stretching across eight countries including Switzerland and Italy.
Switzerland : A country in Central Europe known for its neutrality, Alpine landscapes, and well-developed financial sector.
Italy : A country in Southern Europe known for its rich history, art, and cuisine.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Canada : A country in North America known for its natural beauty, multicultural population, and being the second largest country in the world by area.
Big Rock : A large glacial erratic located in Alberta, Canada, deposited by a glacier.
glacial retreat : Glacial retreat is the process of glaciers melting faster than their ice can be replaced by new snow or ice, which can lead to reduced freshwater resources.
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
glacial retreat : Glacial retreat is the process of glaciers melting faster than their ice can be replaced by new snow or ice, which can lead to reduced freshwater resources.
landforms : Natural physical features of the Earth's surface, such as valleys, mountains, and plateaus.
Great Lakes : A group of five large freshwater lakes in North America, located on the border between the United States and Canada: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
Midwest : A region in the United States that includes states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Canada : A country in North America known for its natural beauty, multicultural population, and being the second largest country in the world by area.
Great Lakes : A group of five large freshwater lakes in North America, located on the border between the United States and Canada: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
ice caps : Smaller than ice sheets, covering an area of less than 50,000 square kilometers.
Antarctic ice sheet : A massive ice sheet covering Antarctica, containing the majority of the world's fresh water.
erosion : The process by which natural forces like water, wind, or ice wear away rocks and soil.
runoff : Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, that flows over the land's surface towards bodies of water like rivers or oceans.
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
erosion : The process by which natural forces like water, wind, or ice wear away rocks and soil.
runoff : Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, that flows over the land's surface towards bodies of water like rivers or oceans.
Grand Canyon : A massive canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, USA, known for its incredible depth and colorful landscapes.
Colorado Plateau : A large, high desert region in the United States, covering parts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Arizona : A state in the southwestern region of the United States, known for its deserts and the Grand Canyon.
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
Pacific Ocean : The largest and deepest ocean, covering more than 30% of the Earth's surface and located between Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Antarctica.
California : A state in the western United States, known for its diverse geography and cultural influence.
Reservoirs and Residence Time
reservoir : A natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use, such as an aquifer or a body of water.
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
Ocean : A large body of saltwater that covers most of Earth’s surface, significant in the water cycle
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
ice sheets : Large masses of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
vapor : The gaseous state of water, which is part of the continuous water cycle including solid and liquid states.
residence time : The average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir in the water cycle.
reservoir : A natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use, such as an aquifer or a body of water.
residence time : The average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir in the water cycle.
reservoir : A natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use, such as an aquifer or a body of water.
residence time : The average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir in the water cycle.
Residence time in Antarctic ice sheet is about 17,000 years : Water molecules spend a long time in the form of ice, influencing global water distribution and climate.
Antarctic ice sheet : A massive ice sheet covering Antarctica, containing the majority of the world's fresh water.
Residence time in the ocean is about 3,200 years : Water remains in the ocean for a shorter period compared to glaciers, affecting ocean circulation and climate systems.
Residence time in the atmosphere is about nine days : Water moves quickly through the atmosphere, impacting weather patterns and climate variability.
residence time : The average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir in the water cycle.
reservoir : A natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use, such as an aquifer or a body of water.
reservoir : A natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use, such as an aquifer or a body of water.
Fast Fact
The
water cycle : The water cycle is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
we are experiencing the fastest rate of glacial retreat in recorded history : This suggests that glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, which is likely due to global warming and has serious implications for fresh water availability.
glacial retreat : Glacial retreat is the process of glaciers melting faster than their ice can be replaced by new snow or ice, which can lead to reduced freshwater resources.
Glacier : A large, slow-moving mass of ice on land, which influences the availability of fresh water
glaciers : Massive, slowly moving bodies of ice that can form streams or pools as they melt.
ice : Solid form of water. On Earth, it is primarily found in glaciers, ice sheets, and ice caps.
Precipitation : Any form of water, like rain or snow, that falls from the atmosphere to the surface of Earth
Earth : The third planet from the Sun, which has water in solid, liquid, and gas forms and is the main focus of the water cycle
Articles & Profiles
Titan : Saturn's largest moon, mentioned in the context of changing weather patterns
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Last Updated
October 19, 2023
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