Water Cycle Flashcards
Why is the sun the “motor” of the water cycle?
The sun can be considered the motor of the water cycle because the transformation of liquid water into water vapor depends on its energy. Therefore, the sun is the energy source that causes water to circulate in nature.
What is the Water Cycle?
Liquid water on the planet’s surface is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, which enters the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, large volumes of water vapor form clouds that, when cooled, precipitate liquid water as rain. Therefore, water comes back to the planet surface and the cycle is complete. During possible steps of the cycle, water may still be stored in subterranean reserves or in the form of ice in mountains and oceans, and may also be used in the metabolism of living organisms, incorporated into the body of individuals or excreted through urine, feces and sweat.
