The Water Cycle – Nature’s Recycling System

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 What is the Water Cycle?

The water cycle is the continuous circulation of water between Earth’s surface and atmosphere through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

🔹 Steps of Water Cycle

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1. Evaporation

  • Sun heats water in oceans, rivers, lakes
  • Water evaporates and rises as invisible vapour
  • Plants also release water vapour (transpiration)

2. Condensation

  • Water vapour rises and cools at higher altitudes
  • Vapour condenses around dust particles
  • Tiny droplets form clouds

3. Precipitation

  • Cloud droplets combine to form bigger drops
  • Heavy drops fall as rain, snow, or hail
  • Water returns to Earth’s surface

4. Collection

  • Rainwater flows into rivers, lakes, oceans
  • Some water seeps into ground (groundwater)
  • Cycle continues endlessly

🔹 Importance of Water Cycle

Benefits:

  • Provides fresh water for drinking
  • Maintains water balance in nature
  • Supports all life on Earth
  • Cleans and purifies water naturally

Human Impact:

  • Population growth increases water demand
  • Pollution affects water quality
  • Climate change alters water cycle patterns
  • Need to conserve and protect water resources