Have you ever wondered how water moves through the landscape? It’s an amazing journey that starts with water vapor in the air and ends with surface and ground water. Let’s explore the different stages of this fascinating process!

Water vapor is the invisible form of water that floats in the air around us. When the sun heats the Earth’s surface, it causes water to evaporate, turning it into vapor. You may not see it, but it’s there!

Water vapor rises into the sky and forms clouds. As the air cools, the water vapor condenses back into liquid droplets, creating clouds. When the clouds become heavy with water, they release it as rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation.

Precipitation reaches the ground as liquid water. It flows over the land as streams, rivers, and lakes, forming surface water. This water is crucial for plants, animals, and us!

Some of the water that falls on the ground seeps into the soil. It nourishes plants, filters through the layers of soil, and replenishes underground water sources. Soil acts as a sponge, holding onto the water and slowly releasing it.

The water that seeps into the soil continues its downward journey, becoming groundwater. It fills spaces between rocks and soil particles. It flows through underground aquifers providing water for wells, springs, and supporting ecosystems.

Surface water and groundwater often meet, creating a dynamic balance. Groundwater can feed into rivers and lakes, sustaining their flow during dry periods. It’s like a secret underground supply that keeps our surface water sources alive. Water is a precious resource that constantly moves through the landscape, sustaining life along the way. From the air to the surface of the ground and underneath, the journey of water is vital for our environment. So, next time you see raindrops or a flowing river, remember the incredible story of water and how it connects everything in nature.