The Journey of Water

Every drop of water is on an endless global journey, known as the "water cycle," which keeps the Earth  full of life.

The story begins in the blue oceans. Sunlight, like countless small hammers, beats against the sea surface. Heated by the sun, seawater turns into water vapor and rises gently into the air. This process is called evaporation. These water vapor particles travel together, drifting toward the land with the air currents, like taking a free aerial train. This step is known as water vapor transport.

When water vapor meets cold air, it condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals, gathering to form clouds. As the clouds grow thicker, the small droplets join hands and become heavier, then fall in the form of rain, snow, or hail. This is precipitation. Some of the water that falls to the ground seeps into the earth to become groundwater, while the rest flows into rivers and lakes, rushing along with the terrain and eventually returning to the oceans. This is called runoff.

Interestingly, plants also participate in this journey. They absorb water from the soil and release water vapor back into the air through pores in their leaves, a process called transpiration.

From the oceans to the clouds, from the land to the rivers, the water cycle allows water to circulate through every corner of the Earth. It not only regulates the climate but also nourishes all living things. Each drop of water has a unique journey, yet they are closely connected, jointly maintaining the balance of life on Earth.