My Science School

According to the new analysis published in the journal Nature, rising global temperature has shifted at least twice the amount of freshwater from warm regions towards the Earth's poles than previously thought. The researchers estimate the volume of extra freshwater that shifted from warmer regions between 1970 and 2014 to be between 46,000 and 77,000 cubic km. This is consistent with an intensification of the water cycle of up to 7%. That means up to 7% more rain in wetter areas and 7% less rain (or more evaporation) in dryer areas. This is at the upper end of estimates established by several previous studies, which suggested an intensification closer to 2-4%.

With the water cycle intensifying in a "wet-gets-wetter-dry-gets-drier pattern, water problems such as drought and flooding are likely to become much worse around the world. California will experience more severe drought and Mumbai will experience more severe rainfall and flooding, say researchers. Some people and ecosystems I will be hit harder than others.

What can we do?

Decades of scientific research have shown the clear relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and rising global temperatures, which in turn drives water cycle intensification. Without doubt, decreasing the CO2 emission, better bringing it to zero emission, is our best bet to save the world.

Picture Credit : Google 

The water cycle shows the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It is a complex system that includes many different processes. Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow. Water cycle follows a cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Earth's water is in the oceans, rivers, lakes, and seas. When the sun heats up water from these sources, it evaporates as vapour and rises into the air. Rising vapour cools and condenses into clouds. The clouds get heavy and water falls back to the ground in the form of rain or snow. The rain replenishes the oceans, rivers, and ground water aquifers. This cycle continues again and again. In essence, we are using and re-using the same water that has been on Earth since the beginning of time.

The water cycle describes how water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into rain or snow in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation. The water falling on land collects in rivers and lakes, soil, and porous layers of rock, and much of it flows back into the oceans, where it will once more evaporate. The cycling of water in and out of the atmosphere is a significant aspect of the weather patterns on Earth.

Why is water cycle important?

Water is the basis for life. Water cycle ensures the availability of water for all life on Earth and maintenance of most ecosystem on the planet.

The water cycle influences global temperature. When water evaporates, it takes up energy from its surroundings and cools the environment. When it condenses, it releases energy and warms the environment. These heat exchanges influence climate.

It also influences rainfall and related weather changes in an area.

Picture Credit : Google