The Water Cycle (Copy)
The Water Cycle – Cheat Sheet
Key Processes
| Process | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Precipitation | Water falls to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail | Monsoon rainfall in India |
| Surface Run-off | Water flows over land into rivers, lakes, oceans | Floodwaters in Bangladesh |
| Interception | Plants/trees catch rainfall before it reaches the ground | Rainforest canopy intercepts heavy rain |
| Infiltration | Water soaks into soil from the surface | Rain absorbed into farmland soil |
| Through-flow | Water moves sideways through soil to rivers/streams | Hillside water feeding streams |
| Groundwater Flow | Water slowly moves through rocks to rivers/oceans | Springs fed by aquifers |
| Transpiration | Plants release water vapour from leaves | Tropical forests contribute to local rainfall |
| Evaporation | Sun’s heat changes water into vapour | Ocean water evaporating near equator |
| Condensation | Water vapour cools and forms clouds | Cloud formation before rainfall |
Quick Pointers
- Closed system: Water is continuously recycled, not lost.
- Energy from the Sun drives evaporation and transpiration.
- Vegetation strongly influences interception and transpiration.
- Human activities (deforestation, urbanisation) alter water cycle balance.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change O Level And IGCSE Environmental Management Full Scale Course