Please describe the water cycle, including sources of usable freshwater and renewal times for rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Water is considered as one of the most important molecule which is required for the survival of the organisms.so; continuous supply of it; must be maintained; on the earth surface .and this is ensured by the the water cycle. Water cycle is also described as a hydrological cycle which basically includes the continuous movement of water between atmosphere and earth's surface.
The various steps involved in water cycle are:
1.Evaporation:During the process of Evaporation;The water present on the surface of water bodies; like oceans; lakes; rivers are heated up by the sun.and get converted into vapours and it rise into the atmosphere and even the water present in the leaves of plants; trees are also undergone a process called transpiration; by getting energy from the sun because of which water also get evaporated in air in the form of water vapours in the atmosphere.
2.Condensation: During the process of condensation;the water vapour present in the atmosphere cools down; when they come in contact with lower temperatureva higher altitudes.and due to this.Vapours are converted into small droplets and forms a clouds.
3.Precipitation:when the temperature rises; the water vapours present in the atmosphere into the tiny water droplets in the clouds.and after some time;water falls on the earth surface in the form of water droplets which is called precipitation.when the temperature is extremely cold; the water vapour falls on the earth in the form of a snow.
4.Infiltration: After the precipitation; water from the rain gets absorbed into the ground ; which is called infiltration.and water absorbed in the ground; can be goes Deeper in the aquifers; or ground water can be made available to rivers;lakes etc.
5.Runoff: If the water is not absorbed to the deeper layer of the ground;it may runoff from the ground surface; sides of hills to form streams and rivers .and again the same process starts from the step 1.
In this way ; water cycle continues on the earth surface and atmosphere
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