Water Cycle and Pollution PDF

Summary

This document provides an overview of the water cycle, explaining its essential processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. It also details water pollution, including sources and impacts on the environment and human health. The text covers various aspects of the water cycle and its relation to pollution.

Full Transcript

Introduction  The water cycle is essential for life on Earth.  It is a renewable resource, replenished through various processes.  Residence Time: The time a water molecule spends in a specific location before moving on. o Atmospheric moisture: ~7 days o Oc...

Introduction  The water cycle is essential for life on Earth.  It is a renewable resource, replenished through various processes.  Residence Time: The time a water molecule spends in a specific location before moving on. o Atmospheric moisture: ~7 days o Ocean: ~3000 years o Lakes: ~20 years o Groundwater: >1000 years Key Processes in the Water Cycle 1. Evaporation o Change of phase from liquid to gas. o Water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and plants. o Example: Water vapor from boiling water (steam). 2. Transpiration o Evaporation of water from plant leaves. 3. Condensation o Change of phase from gas to liquid. o Water vapor cools and forms clouds. o Example: Formation of nimbus clouds. 4. Precipitation o Water falls back to Earth in various forms (rain, sleet, snow). o Most common form: Rain. 5. Infiltration o Water enters the soil. 6. Percolation o Water moves deeper into the soil and rocks until it reaches aquifers. 7. Absorption o Plants absorb water through their roots. 8. Runoff o Water flows over the surface, returning to rivers, lakes, or seas. Phases of Water  Solid: Ice (frozen water).  Liquid: Water (in lakes, rivers, etc.).  Gas: Water vapor (in the atmosphere). Summary of the Water Cycle  Water evaporates due to the sun's heat, forming vapor.  Vapor cools and condenses into clouds.  Clouds release water as precipitation.  Water infiltrates the ground, percolates, and is absorbed by plants.  Excess water runs off into bodies of water, completing the cycle. Water Cycle and Water Pollution Water Cycle  The water cycle is a continuous process where water changes from one state to another.  It ensures that we have water by recycling it through various forms: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. Stages of the Water Cycle 1. Evaporation: Water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. 2. Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds. 3. Precipitation: Water falls back to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Conditions for Snow to Fall  Air inside clouds and on the way down must be below freezing.  Ice crystals form and fall as snowflakes.  Temperature affects snow type: o Warmer temperatures: "Wetter" snow. o Colder temperatures: Drier, fluffier snow. Precipitation and the Water Cycle  Precipitation returns to the water cycle through: o Runoff: Water flows back to the sea. o Surface water: Joins lakes and streams. o Groundwater: Soaks into the ground. o Ice and snow: Remains on mountains temporarily. Water Pollution  Definition: Water pollution occurs when water becomes unfit for its intended use due to harmful substances.  Types of Pollutants: o Organic: From living organisms. o Inorganic: Chemicals and metals. o Radioactive: Harmful radiation. Sources of Water Pollution  Point Sources: Specific locations like factories or sewage treatment plants.  Nonpoint Sources: Diffuse sources like agricultural runoff or urban runoff. Effects of Water Pollution  Affects all species, including microorganisms.  Threatens ecosystems and human health.  Contaminated water bodies can affect connected water sources. Historical Context  Early humans had minimal impact on water quality due to low population and waste.  Natural self-purification processes helped clean water.  Increased population and waste have overwhelmed these natural processes. Solutions to Water Pollution  Reduce waste discharge into water bodies.  Implement sustainable practices to minimize pollution.  Educate communities about the importance of clean water. Conclusion  The water cycle is essential for maintaining water availability.  Water pollution poses significant risks to health and ecosystems.  Understanding both concepts is crucial for sustainable living and environmental protection.

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