The diagram illustrates the water cycle, depicting the continuous circulation of water above, on, and below the Earth’s surface. It comprises key stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
The process begins when the sun heats water in oceans, causing evaporation. Remarkably, oceans contribute around 80% of the water vapour in the atmosphere. As the vapour rises, it cools and condenses into clouds. These clouds eventually release moisture through precipitation, either as rain or snow.
Snow accumulates on mountain peaks and later melts, feeding rivers. Rainwater either infiltrates the ground or flows over surfaces, forming lakes and rivers. Some of this water is absorbed into the soil until it hits an impervious layer, while the rest continues as surface runoff, eventually returning to the ocean.
Additionally, the diagram highlights saltwater intrusion, where seawater seeps into freshwater systems.
Overall, the cycle demonstrates how natural forces drive a closed-loop system, ensuring the constant redistribution of Earth’s water.