What role do streams serve during the hydrologic cycle? Indicate various sources of water in streams.

The hydrologic cycle describes how water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into clouds, and falls back to the surface as precipitation. The water that falls to the earth flows into streams and rivers or seeps into the ground, contributing to the replenishing of water systems.

Streams play a significant role in this cycle. Streams receive water from surface runoff and contribute to transporting the water back to bigger water bodies like the ocean. By doing so, Streams play an important part in the circulation and redistribution of water.

There are several sources from which water can flow into streams. These sources include: 1. Surface runoff: This is water from rainfall that doesn't infiltrate the soil or evaporate, but flows over the surface of the land, ultimately making their way to streams. 2. Groundwater: When rainwater seeps into the ground, it saturates the soil to create a water table. Groundwater can flow into streams, notably during dry periods when it makes up most streamflow. 3. Direct precipitation: Streams also gather water directly from rainfall and snowfall. 4. Glacial meltwater: In colder climates, melting glaciers and snow packs provide significant contributions to stream water. By knowing the sources of water found in streams, we can better understand their relation to the hydrologic cycle.