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Chapter 9: Problem 1

Sketch and explain a simplified model of the complex flows of water on Earth- the hydrologic cycle.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A simplified hydrologic cycle involves the stages of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, runoff and infiltration. These stages represent the continuous movement of water from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back.

Step by step solution

01

Drawing the Hydrologic Cycle Model

Start by drawing a box which represents the Earth's surface. Draw a cloud above it. Label the box 'Earth's surface', the space between the box and cloud 'Atmosphere' and the cloud 'Clouds'. Now, illustrate the following processes as arrows with corresponding labels: From the Earth's surface to the Atmosphere, represent Evaporation; From the clouds to the Atmosphere, represent Transpiration; From the Atmosphere to the Clouds, represent Condensation; From the Clouds to the Earth's surface, represent Precipitation. Additionally, represent the part of precipitation, which directly flows over the surface of the Earth towards a body of water as 'Runoff' and the part that soaks into ground as 'Infiltration'.
02

Explaining the Processes

Now describe each process: Evaporation is the process when water changes from a liquid state to gaseous state; Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants and soil into the air; Precipitation is the process where water vapor in the air condenses into droplets and falls onto the surface of the Earth; Runoff is the process where water flows over the earth's surface to bodies of water like lakes and oceans; Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil; Finally, Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools and turns back into liquid water, forming clouds.
03

Detail the Interconnections

Detail how each process of the hydrological cycle is interconnected with another - each process is a result of the previous process and leads to the next, forming a continuous loop. Evaporation and transpiration contribute to the moisture content of the air. When the moisture condenses, it results in precipitation that returns the water back to the Earth's surface. This water can either be infiltrated in the soil or join the surface runoff to return to a water body. This water can then be evaporated again, continuing the cycle.

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