The liquid water on land, in rivers and in oceans, for example, is heated by the Sun. This heat energy converts the liquid water into water vapour. The water vapour rises into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation The water vapour gets cooler as it rises. The gas changes back to a liquid and tiny drops of water form clouds.
3. Precipitation
As more drops of water add to the clouds, they fill up. When they are full, the liquid water falls to the Earth in the form of rain or snow. This process is called precipitation.
4. Infiltration
Some of the water that falls on land seeps into the soil and through the cracks in rocks. It then collects underground. This process is called infiltration.
5. Run-off and collection
The rest of the water that falls on land runs off the surface and is collected in rivers, which take it back to the ocean.
6. Transpiration Plants take in water through their roots from soil and lose water through their leaves. The water lost from leaves evaporates and rises as vapour into the atmosphere. This process is called transpiration.
: Fig. 37.2 Water falls back to Earth from the clouds as rain or snow
: Fig. 37.3 Run-off water collects in rivers ?
: Fig. 37.4 Plants release water into the atmosphere when they transpire
TEST TUBE
3. Where does the energy that powers the water cycle come from? 4. Explain the difference between condensation and precipitation.
5. How do you think the percentage of moisture in the air would be affected in a room containing a well-watered indoor plant, where all windows and doors are sealed? Explain your answer.