Water in the Atmosphere

The Water Cycle A. Evaporation: Is the process by which water molecules in a liquid escape into air as water vapor. –Requires energy –Cooling process Transpiration: Is evaporation of water drops from the surface of plants.

The Water Cycle B. Condensation: The process by which a gas, such as water vapor, changes to a liquid, such as water. –Must occur on a solid. –Releases heat energy.

The Water Cycle C. Precipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, and hail fall from clouds to the surface.

The Water Cycle D. Ground water: Water moves through the ground back to bodies of water.

The Water Cycle E. Run-off: Water flows on the surface towards oceans, rivers, lakes and streams

Ice Flow Much of the Earth’s water is stored in large ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland. Some ice is stored in glaciers which cover 10% of the Earth’s surface. Glaciers can be thought of as rivers of ice. Some glaciers flow to the ocean where they break off and form icebergs. The Water Cycle

Ocean Circulation Winds move ocean water on the surface in great currents, sometimes for thousands of miles. If ocean water is very salty or cold, it can sink to the bottom of the ocean creating deep ocean currents. The Water Cycle

Energy Energy is transported in the water cycle through changes of state and by the movement of water from place to place.  Evaporation of water carries energy into the atmosphere.  Cold water ocean currents along the shoreline absorb energy (heat) and cool the coastal region.  These processes affect the weather and climate of the area. The Water Cycle

Matter Ocean currents, rivers, and glaciers move vast amounts of water, sediments, and dissolved gasses all around the world. Erosion, transportation, and deposition of sediments occurs as a result of these processes. The Water Cycle