hydrologic cycle

Evaporation

liquid water → vapor

Transpiration

plant release of water vapor

Condensation

vapor into liquid droplets

precipitation

rain, snow

percolation

downward movement through soil into groundwater

Absorption

uptake by plants or soil

Irrigation depletion

removes surface and groundwater

Aquifer depletion

leads to subsidence (land sinking) and saltwater intrusion (coastal contamination)

Mono Lake (CA)

Rivers diverted to Los Angeles → shrinking lake and higher salinity.

Western & Southwestern U.S

face major shortages due to low snowfall and high demand.

Colorado River:

upports >30 million people; dams and diversions prevent it from reaching the sea.

Ogallala Aquifer:.

Largest groundwater deposit in U.S.; being depleted faster than recharge rate.