Chapter 28, Problem 2TE

To determine

That before becoming rain again where most rainfall on Earth finally ends up.

Answer to Problem 2TE

Before becoming rain again, most of rainfall on Earth finally end up as groundwater under the Earth’s surface.

Explanation of Solution

When rain falls onto the land enters the Earth’s surface through infiltration, enhances the moisture content of the soil and reaches the groundwater body. This water in some time may join the ocean through streams. Some part of precipitation may evaporate back to the atmosphere even while falling. But most part may be intercepted by vegetation, ground surface, et cetera. Another part may be intercepted by vegetation, ground surface, et cetera, from which precipitation will directly evaporate or permeate in the ground and form groundwater. This groundwater may come to the surface through springs and other channels after spending a noticeably longer time than the surface flow and then again evaporate, condense and again precipitate as rain, completing the hydrologic cycle.

Conclusion:

Therefore, before becoming rain again, most of rainfall on Earth finally end up as groundwater under the Earth’s surface.