What is the Water Cycle?

One of the most important resources that makes life possible on Earth is water. Water is essential for the growth of plants and for the survival of humans and animals. While searching for extraterrestrial life, humanity first looks for the presence of water on other planets. The reason for this is that ecosystems without water cannot sustain life. So, have you ever thought about it? How does water, potentially regarded as the main source of life, continuously renew and purify itself? The magnificent natural phenomenon underlying this is the water cycle!

Water exists in our world in three different forms: solid, liquid, and gas. The journey of water in these three forms between underground, on the surface, and in the atmosphere is referred to as the "Water Cycle," or by another name, the "Hydrological Cycle." Of course, like water itself, this cycle is also very important for life. It allows water to be purified, distributed across the earth in proportion to climatic conditions, and supports all life by maintaining agricultural and animal ecosystems.

Global Water Distribution

During this cycle, the total amount of water on Earth does not change. The only thing that changes is the small movements in the forms of water. For example; the rise in sea levels does not come from an increase in water, but rather from the melting of ice which is in solid form and above sea level, mixing into the seas, or when a lake dries up, the water source there does not disappear, but evaporates into the atmosphere.

There are nearly 1.5 billion km3 of water on Earth. These waters cover 70% of the Earth's surface. Of the total water reserves on the planet, 97.5% consists of seawater and oceans, which are saline and not usable. The remaining 2.5% of freshwater reserves are almost entirely made up of polar ice and water sources found underground in the form of ice or liquid, which are also unusable by humanity.

Generally, when we compare available freshwater to all the water on Earth, we can say that only 0.02% of the world's water is available for human use.

How Does the Water Cycle Occur?

The water cycle essentially occurs through two fundamental factors: "solar energy" and "gravity." With the molecular structure of water, these two factors enable water to move in different forms on Earth. Water that evaporates due to solar energy or that comes out through perspiration moves upwards, cools, and condenses to form clouds as it goes up. Then, under the effect of gravity, the water that returns to Earth again descends underground. These events have been continuing in this way for thousands of years, and if we humans do not severely disrupt the functioning of the planet, it will continue for thousands more years.

Stages of the Water Cycle

The water cycle fundamentally consists of 6 stages: evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, surface runoff, and underground flow. Thanks to these stages, the cycle continues without any water loss in a completely closed loop.

1. Evaporation:

   With the heat energy from the sun, the solid and liquid water sources that receive sunlight turn into water vapor. The water that becomes vapor rises into the atmosphere in gas form.

2. Transpiration:

   Plants also use the water molecules found in the soil and excrete them through transpiration. In this way, plants release water into the atmosphere in gas form.

3. Condensation:

   In fact, water vapor is present everywhere in the atmosphere, but we only see clouds. As water vapor in the atmosphere rises, it begins to cool with decreasing temperatures. The cooling water vapor transforms into tiny droplets, forming clouds.

4. Precipitation:

   When the small water droplets that form the clouds reach a certain size, they can no longer remain suspended in the air and fall to the surface due to gravity. This is referred to as rainfall. Of course, depending on atmospheric conditions, clouds can become very cold or encounter a sudden cold wave, leading to precipitation in forms such as snow or hail.

5. Surface Runoff:

   When water falls to the surface through precipitation, part of the water seeps into the ground, while another part flows over the surface, feeding rivers, lakes, and seas. This process allows water to return to the seas and oceans. Some of the rain seeps into the ground to feed underground water. This water accumulates underground, and people can draw it from wells for use. The underground water may gradually flow towards the seas and rivers or emerge as springs on the surface.

Conclusion

The water cycle ensures the continuation of life on our planet. Continuous movement of water is necessary for plants to grow, animals to find water, and humans to secure drinking water. Additionally, through the water cycle, water is naturally purified. When water evaporates, impurities and salts are left behind, so only clean water vapor rises into the atmosphere. Moreover, the water cycle contributes to regulating the climate and humidifying the air. It would not be incorrect to say that all forms of life on Earth are dependent on this cycle.

The water cycle is a perfect system that self-renews in nature. Through this cycle, water continuously moves on our planet and remains a vital resource for living beings. Understanding the journey of water in this cycle reminds us of how carefully we need to use water.

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