Hydrological cycle

Precipitation

process of water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail

advection

horizontal movement of water vapour, clouds, or precipitation caused by the prevailing wind patterns

evaporation

process by which liquid water changes into a gaseous state (water vapour) and enters the atmosphere from water bodies such as oceans, lakes, and rivers

transpiration

process by which plants absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it as water vapour through pores called stomata in their leaves

evapotranspiration

combined process of water vaporisation from the Earth's surface (evaporation) and the release of water vapour by plants through transpiration

sublimation

direct transition of water from a solid (ice or snow) to a vapour state without melting first

condensation

process in which water vapour in the atmosphere transforms into liquid water, forming clouds or dew, as a result of cooling

melting

process by which solid ice or snow changes into liquid water due to an increase in temperature

freezing

process by which liquid water changes into a solid state (ice or snow) due to a decrease in temperature

flooding

overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam failure

surface run off

movement of water over the Earth's surface, typically occurring when the ground is saturated or impermeable, leading to excess water

infiltration

process of water seeping into the soil from the surface, entering the soil layers and becoming groundwater

percolation

downward movement of water through the soil and underlying rock layers, eventually reaches aquifers or groundwater reservoirs

stream flow/currents

movement of water in streams, rivers, or other water bodies, driven by gravity and the slope of the land, ultimately leads to oceans or lakes