The water cycle is an amazing phenomenon that surrounds us every day. Rain is an important component of the cycle and plays a crucial role in restoring balance in nature. But where does the rain come from and where does it go?
The water cycle and its importance for nature
The cycle begins with precipitation that falls to the earth and is either absorbed directly by the soil or flows into rivers and lakes as surface water.
Some of the water also reaches the groundwater and feeds springs and wells. The water then rises back into the air through evaporation and forms clouds. These clouds can be transported over long distances until they fall again as rain somewhere on earth.
This constant cycle ensures that water is always available and in balance – an important prerequisite for the survival of plants and animals.
How the water cycle influences the climate
This endless cycle of water also has a huge impact on the global climate, as it helps to transport and distribute heat. Even if we are often not aware of how important the water cycle is for our lives: without it, there would be no clean drinking water, no agriculture and no life itself. So it is really worth knowing how this cycle works - whether for children or adults!
Graphic: the water cycle simply explained for primary school children
How the continental effect affects the global water cycle
The continental effect describes the impact of land masses on precipitation and humidity in a region. Since land heats and cools faster than water, a high evaporation rate occurs over large land masses such as the African continent, which leads to increased regional precipitation.
However, this regional precipitation can also affect the global water cycle, as it can help to add more moisture to the atmosphere, allowing clouds to form. These clouds can then fall to other locations or be transported by winds.
It is amazing to see how different elements of the water cycle interact with each other and how they can be regulated by natural processes. By using this knowledge and becoming more conscious of how we use water, we can help preserve and protect this incredible cycle.
More and more people in the world are having difficulty getting clean water. The reasons for this are varied and are related to the complex water cycle. Soil erosion and deforestation can lead to less water penetrating the soil and thus the groundwater not being adequately supplied.
Increasing pollution from industrial waste, plastic waste and chemicals is also contributing to the fact that more and more water bodies are being contaminated. The effects of climate change are making this problem even worse: in some places there is too much rain at the wrong time, while in other places there are droughts and hardly any rainfall. All of these factors are contributing to the fact that access to clean drinking water is becoming increasingly difficult for many people. It is important to be aware of how much our lives depend on the endless cycle of water.
Children should be informed about the water cycle at an early age and learn how important it is to use water carefully.
What can you do to improve the global water cycle?
There are many things we can do to improve the global water cycle. One simple way is to reduce our water consumption and use water more consciously. For example, we can change our consumption habits and waste less water by turning off the tap when brushing our teeth or only running full washing machines and dishwashers.
In addition, we should ensure that our wastewater is disposed of properly and does not end up in rivers or groundwater. Another option is to collect rainwater and make it reusable. In Berlin, there are already many initiatives by private individuals and companies that are committed to more sustainable use of water.
It is important to know that the water cycle is an infinite cycle and our actions have an impact on this cycle. Everyone can contribute to protecting it and making it more sustainable.
How do you explain the water cycle briefly and concisely?
The water cycle is a natural process by which water circulates through the environment in various forms. Initially, water evaporates from the Earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, due to solar energy. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere and condenses into clouds. When these clouds become heavy enough, they fall back to Earth as precipitation. This can occur as rain, snow, or hail.
Some of this precipitation runs off into rivers and lakes above ground or collects in underground aquifers. The collected water can then be absorbed by plants or evaporate and return to the atmosphere. In this way, water continuously circulates through the hydrological cycle.
The water cycle is an important process for sustaining life on Earth. It regulates the world's climate and water balance and allows plants and animals to survive. It is also important for human activities such as agriculture, industry and drinking water supply.