The Water Cycle
There are 3 states of matter Solid Liquid Gas
Water exists in all 3 forms When water is SOLID we call it ice, snow or frost When water is a LIQUID we call it condensation, dew or just water When water is a GAS We call it water vapour
Changes in STATE Melting – when ice or snow (solid) changes to water (liquid) Evaporation- When water (liquid) changes to water vapour (gas)
Condensation When water vapour (gas) changes into tiny droplets of water (liquid). WHITE CLOUDS are made up of lots of tiny droplets of water. When water vapour condenses on cold grass we call this dew
Black Clouds The tiny water droplets that make up white clouds join together to make large water droplets. These clouds are full of water and look black. The water is very heavy and it falls as rain
Freezing When water or water droplets change into ice or snow. This can happen on the ground or in the air eg Snow or hail
Other terms PRECIPITATION When water falls from the sky as rain, snow or hail. Tiny droplets of water in white clouds join together to make large droplets (black clouds)which then fall from the sky as rain drops.
RUN OFF When water travels down to the sea in rivers and streams
Climate Change and the Water cycle The average temperature of the earths lower atmosphere has risen by just under 1 degree C during the past 200 years. 90% of the extra heat is absorbed by the oceans so our oceans are warming. So what difference does this make?
Alot This increases the amount of evaporation and a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapour. This means that there is an increase in rainfall and the intensity of the rainfall which leads to flooding. There is also a greater intensity of cyclones. the whole water cycle is affected. Remember the flooding in England at the end of 2015
Nov 2015 Northern England Castle in Scotland at risk of collapsing
Snowfall is affected as well When warmer, moisture filled air rises and meets colder air higher up in the atmosphere, huge snowfalls can occur. This has been experienced in recent years in many parts of the globe. Remember the severe snow storm on the east coast of the us in January 2016.