schematic representation of water cycle

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The Water Cycle

The new water cycle diagram is now available.

The water cycle describes where water is on Earth and how it moves. Human water use, land use, and climate change all impact the water cycle. By understanding these impacts, we can work toward using water sustainably. 

•   Water Science School HOME   •   Water Cycle Diagrams   • Glossary of Water Cycle Terms   • Water Pools and Fluxes Data Tables

What is the water cycle? 

The water cycle describes where water is on Earth and how it moves. Water is stored in the atmosphere, on the land surface, and below the ground. It can be a liquid, a solid, or a gas. Liquid water can be fresh or saline (salty). Water moves between the places it is stored. Water moves at large scales, through watersheds, the atmosphere, and below the Earth's surface. Water moves at very small scales too. It is in us, plants, and other organisms. Human activities impact the water cycle, affecting where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is.  

Pools store water 

Oceans store 96% of all water on Earth. Ocean water is saline, meaning it’s salty. On land, saline water is stored in saline lakes. The rest of the water on Earth is fresh water. Fresh water is stored in liquid form in freshwater lakes , artificial reservoirs, rivers , and wetlands. Water is stored in solid, frozen form in ice sheets and glaciers, and in snowpack at high elevations or near Earth's poles. Water vapor is a gas and is stored as atmospheric moisture over the ocean and land. In the soil, frozen water is stored as permafrost and liquid water is stored as soil moisture. Deeper below ground, liquid water is stored as groundwater in aquifers. Water in groundwater aquifers is found within cracks and pores in the rock.   

Fluxes move water between pools 

As it moves, water can change form between liquid, solid, and gas. Circulation mixes water in the oceans and transports water vapor in the atmosphere. Water moves between the atmosphere and the surface through evaporation , evapotranspiration , and precipitation . Water moves across the surface through snowmelt , runoff , and streamflow . Water moves into the ground through infiltration and groundwater recharge. Underground, groundwater flows within aquifers. Groundwater can return to the surface through natural discharge into rivers, the ocean, and from springs .   

What drives the water cycle? 

Water moves naturally and because of human actions. Energy from the sun and the force of gravity drive the continual movement of water between pools. The sun’s energy causes liquid water to evaporate into water vapor. Evapotranspiration is the main way water moves into the atmosphere from the land surface and oceans. Gravity causes water to flow downward on land. It causes rain, snow, and hail to fall from clouds.    

Humans alter the water cycle 

In addition to natural processes, human water use affects where water is stored and how water moves. We redirect rivers. We build dams to store water. We drain water from wetlands for development. We use water from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater aquifers. We use that water to supply our homes and communities . We use it for agricultural irrigation and grazing livestock. We use it in industrial activities like thermoelectric power generation , mining , and aquaculture . 

We also affect water quality. In agricultural and urban areas, irrigation and precipitation wash fertilizers and pesticides into rivers and groundwater . Power plants and factories return heated and contaminated water to rivers. Runoff carries chemicals, sediment , and sewage into rivers and lakes. Downstream from these sources, contaminated water can cause harmful algal blooms , spread diseases, and harm habitats for wildlife.   

The water cycle and climate change 

Climate change is actively affecting the water cycle. It is impacting water quantity and timing. Precipitation patterns are changing. The frequency, intensity, and length of extreme weather events, like floods or droughts , are also changing. Ocean sea levels are rising, leading to coastal flooding. Climate change is also impacting water quality. It is causing ocean acidification which damages the shells and skeletons of many marine organisms. Climate change increases the likelihood and intensity of wildfires , which introduces unwanted pollutants from soot and ash into nearby lakes and streams.   

What determines water availability? 

Humans and other organisms rely on water for life. The amount of water that is available depends on how much water there is in each pool (water quantity). Water availability also depends on when and how fast water moves (water timing) through the water cycle. Finally, water availability depends on how clean the water is (water quality). By understanding human impacts on the water cycle, we can work toward using water sustainably.    

Read more about the components of the water cycle in more detail: 

Atmosphere   ·  Condensation   ·  Evaporation   ·  Evapotranspiration   ·  Freshwater lakes and rivers   ·  Groundwater flow   ·  Groundwater storage   ·  Ice and snow   ·  Infiltration   ·  Oceans   ·  Precipitation   ·  Snowmelt   ·  Springs   ·  Streamflow   ·  Sublimation   ·  Surface runoff  

• Biology Article

Diagram Of Water Cycle

Table of Contents

What is the Water Cycle?

Stages of water cycle.

Water is a precious natural resource of our planet earth. It cannot be created or destroyed. The water on the earth today is the same water that existed thousands of years ago and will continue to exist years in the future.

The water cycle is an important Biogeochemical Cycle involved in the flow or circulation of water through different levels of the ecosystem. The water cycle is defined as a natural process of constantly recycling the water in the atmosphere. It is also known as the hydrological cycle or the hydrologic cycle.

During the process of the water cycle between the earth and the atmosphere, water changes into three states of matter – solid, liquid and gas.

The diagram of the water cycle is useful for both Class 9 and 10. It is one of the few important topics which are repetitively asked in the board examinations. Below is a well labelled and easy diagram of water cycle for your better understanding.

The complete water cycle is carried into four stages which are as follows: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation and Collection.

Evaporation

This is the initial stage of the water cycle.

The process by which water from its liquid state changes to vapour, a gaseous state, is termed as evaporation. During the water cycle, water in the water bodies get heated up and evaporates in the form of vapour, mixes with the air and disappears.

Condensation

When the evaporated water vapour loses its thermal energy, it becomes liquid through the process of condensation. Formation of clouds are examples of condensation.

Precipitation

Rain, snow, sleet, or hail are all examples of Precipitation. After the condensation, atmospheric water vapour forms sufficiently large water droplets and falls back to the earth with the help of gravity.

Deposition or Collection

This is the final stage of the water cycle. Deposition occurs when evaporated water vapour falls back to earth as precipitation. This water may fall back into the different water bodies, including oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes and even end up on the land, which in turn becomes a part of the groundwater.

Overall, the water cycle process describes how water is balanced in the atmosphere. It also plays an important role in ensuring the availability of water for all living organisms and also it has a great impact on our environment .

For more information about Water Cycle, its steps, facts and other related topics, visit us at BYJU’S Biology.

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The Water Cycle

US Geological Service (USGS)

This visualization, from the US Geological Survey, provides a simple schematic of the various pathways that water can take as it cycles through ocean, lakes, atmosphere, surface and ground. This diagram was updated in 2023 and there is a new resource page describing the updated diagram: https://cleanet.org/resources/59222.html

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials .

• Teaching Tips Educator should look at the links on the visualization page to see connections to climate change. This diagram was updated in 2023 and there is a new resource page describing the updated diagram [link https://cleanet.org/resources/59222.html]
• About the Science The visualization as a stand-alone does not connect to climate change. Educator must use other information at EPA climate change website to provide opportunities to make that connection. For example, the water resource impacts link at the top right brings the reader to a section that discusses the impact of climate change on regional water resources. Comment from expert scientist: The material does a very good job of explaining how the water cycle is already changing and the implications of such change. The water cycle graphic from USGCRP (2009) is very appropriate.
• About the Pedagogy This visualization provides a comprehensive overview of the water cycle without adding a lot of potentially confusing details. It will work well as a focal diagram for a unit on the water cycle.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use The diagram can be viewed online and saved from a web browser. Images in other formats and sizes are not available. This diagram was updated in 2023 and there is a new resource page describing the updated diagram [link https://cleanet.org/resources/59222.html]

• Water Cycle

Weather & Climate

Societal applications.

• Hydrologic Cycle

USGS Water Cycle Diagram

Image Bottom Full

Earth's water is always in movement, and the natural water cycle , also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Water is always changing states between liquid, vapor, and ice, with these processes happening in the blink of an eye and over millions of years.

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Water Cycle – Process, Diagram, and its Various Stages

The water cycle or hydrologic cycle , is a continuous and natural process that circulates water between the surface of the Earth, the atmosphere, and back again. The water cycle step s evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration. The water cycle sustains life by replenishing water sources and maintains hydrological balance on Earth. In this article, we will explain the water cycle steps, the water cycle diagram, and its importance in maintaining Earth’s ecosystems.

Table of Content

Water Cycle Definition

What is water cycle, water cycle diagram, steps of water cycle, significance of water cycle, effect of rainfall on the environment, climate change and water cycle.

The water cycle is the natural process of continuous movement of water (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation) between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere.

The water cycle process is a continuous water circulation in the Earth-atmosphere system. The water cycle is also known as the Hydrologic or Hydrological Cycle . Evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff are the most significant steps of water cycle.

Solar energy drives the evaporation of water from the surface of the Earth, which then condenses to form clouds in the atmosphere. Eventually, these clouds release moisture through precipitation, returning water to the Earth’s surface. This cycle sustains life, replenishes water sources, and regulates the climate of the Earth.

Given below is the water cycle diagram that shows the various stages of water cycle.

The important steps of water cycle are discussed here. These various stages of water cycle together form a continuous, natural process that circulates water on Earth. The main steps of water cycle are:

Evaporation

The transformation of water from liquid to gas phases as it moves from the different water bodies into the overlying atmosphere. The source of energy for evaporation is primarily solar radiation. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere. The process of evaporation via the leaves of plants is known as evapotranspiration . After this process water is released into the atmosphere.

Sublimation

In places with cold temperatures, snow and ice may change directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) in a process called sublimation. The most typical reasons are dry winds and low humidity. Sublimation can be visible on mountain peaks when the air pressure is extremely low.

The process is aided by low air pressure, which requires less energy to convert snow to water vapour. Sublimation is also visible during the fogging phase of dry ice. The primary source of sublimation is the ice sheets that cover its poles.

Condensation

Due to the low temperatures at high altitudes, the water vapour that has accumulated in the atmosphere cools. These vapours condense into droplets of water and ice, which eventually condense into clouds. The temperature at which condensation occurs is known as the dew point.

Temperatures can naturally approach or go below the dew point, especially at night. As a result, water droplets are sprayed on lawns, cars, and buildings every morning. Warm air reaches its dew point and condenses when it comes into contact with a cold surface.

Precipitation

When the temperature rises above 0 degrees Celsius, the vapours condense into water droplets. In the absence of dust or other contaminants, however, it cannot condense. Water vapours stick to the surface of the particle as a result. When enough droplets form, it falls from the sky and onto the earth below, a process known as precipitation. Water droplets freeze and fall as snow or hail in extremely cold weather or when air pressure is extremely low.

Infiltration

Infiltration is the process through which rainwater is absorbed into the ground. The amount of water absorbed varies depending on the medium into which it was introduced. Rocks, for example, will hold substantially less water than soil. Groundwater can be transported by both streams and rivers. It’s possible, however, that it’ll simply sink deeper and form aquifers.

If rainwater does not create aquifers, gravity transports it down mountain and hill slopes, finally forming rivers. Runoff is the term for this practice.

The effect of water cycle process are numerous and have wide-ranging effects on the environment, climate, and ecosystems. The significance of water cycle are as follows:

• The water cycle or hydrological cycle is fundamental in maintaining a continuous supply of freshwater for drinking, agriculture, industry, and various human activities.
• The Earth’s temperature would rise considerably if the evaporative cooling effect of the water cycle did not exist.
• Variations in the water cycle can lead to shifts in precipitation patterns, impacting weather events, droughts, and floods.
• The potential of the hydrological cycle to filter the air is well established. Water vapours must connect with dust particles during the precipitation process. Raindrops collect water-soluble gases and contaminants, as well as dust when they descend from the sky in polluted cities.
• It supports the generation of hydroelectric power by maintaining the flow of water in rivers and reservoirs.
• The hydrologic water cycle is also connected with different biogeochemical cycles.
• Changes in the hydrological cycle are a key component of climate change, leading to shifts in precipitation, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.

The impact of rainfall on the environment can be as follows:

• Rainfall or other forms of water precipitation provide water to many forms of life, either directly or indirectly.
• Plant roots absorb water, which flows up the plant stem column to the leaves. The leaves then collect sunlight and employ photosynthesis to produce sugar to feed the plants. All of this is due to the beneficial influence of rainfall.
• A lot of negative impacts occur when there is an excess of water in the form of rainfall. Excessive rain can harm plants and compact soil. Erosion eventually happens when soil becomes compressed.
• Flooding endangers human life, destroys houses, roads, and bridges, and wreaks havoc on cattle and crops. Rainfall can have an impact on forests.
• While some places may see more intense rainfall events, others may be affected by the reverse scenario of receiving less rainfall than previously measured. The impact of deforestation on the Brazilian Amazon is a classic example of this.

There are effect of climate change on water cycle are given below:

• Climate warming accelerates evaporation, leading to more water vapor in the atmosphere and occurence of intensified rainstorms.
• Rising temperatures also dry out soils, increasing the risk of drought and water scarcity in affected areas.
• Climate change worsens hydrological extremes, creating hotspots and vulnerable regions that require adaptive measures.

Conclusion – Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, continuously circulates water between Earth’s surface and the atmosphere, sustaining life and ecosystems. Through water cycle steps of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and infiltration, the water cycle replenishes water sources and maintains hydrological balance. Understanding the process of water cycle is crucial for learning Earth’s complex regulatory mechanisms and ensuring ecological stability.

Also Read: Hydrological Cycle  What is Nutrient Cycling? Biogeochemical Cycles Diagram Of Water Cycle

FAQs on Water Cycle

What are the major 4 steps in the water cycle.

The major steps in the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Water evaporates from Earth’s surface, condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds, falls as precipitation, and flows back to bodies of water through runoff.

What is the Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation?

Evaporation is the conversion of liquid water into water vapor, while condensation is the conversion of water vapor into liquid water droplets.

Why is the Water Cycle so Important?

The hydrologic water cycle is imporatant as it ensures the continuous availability of freshwater for ecosystems, agriculture, and human use, supporting life on Earth. Also, it plays a crucial role in regulating climate, distributing heat, and shaping the Earth’s landscape.

How Do you Explain the Water Cycle for Class 5?

The water cycle is a continuous natural process where water evaporates from the Earth’s surface, rises into the atmosphere, condenses into clouds, and falls back as precipitation, ultimately ensuring the distribution of freshwater on the planet.

Describe Water Cycle for Class 4

The water cycle or hydrologic cycle, is a continuous process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation that circulates water throughout the Earth. It involves the transformation of water from liquid to vapor in the atmosphere and back to liquid or solid form on the Earth’s surface.

What are the 7 Steps of the Water Cycle?

The seven steps of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, transpiration, and storage.

What is a Water Cycle Diagram?

A water cycle diagram shows the various stages of the water cycle to visually represent how water moves through the atmosphere and surface of the Earth.

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More about the Water Cycle

• Use this reading that describes the different components of the water cycle in detail. It also includes downloadable diagrams of the water cycle with a brief summary of the water cycle in several languages.
• The water cycle diagram and a summary text are available in over 60 different languages.
• Use the webpage, ‘The Water Cycle for Adults and Advanced Students’, by the USGS (United States Geological Survey) Water Science School, to explore various aspects of the natural water cycle in detail.
• Use the tabs in the ‘Overview’ section that explain the different components of the water cycle such as condensation, precipitation, and evaporation.

The natural water cycle

• Try to understand the importance of each component in maintaining the equilibrium of the natural water cycle and on the distribution of natural water resources on Earth.
• The water cycle diagram can be downloaded for a visual representation of the natural water cycle.
• If required, use the interactive water cycle diagram in the multimedia section to get better understanding of the topic.