The Hydrological Cycle
The Hydrological Cycle
• What you need to know:
• Be able to draw a diagram of the hydrological cycle.
• Describe its main elements.
• Explain how balance is maintained within the system.
What is the Hydrological Cycle?
The hydrological cycle is the system which describes
the distribution and movement of water between the
earth and its atmosphere. The model involves the
continual circulation of water between the oceans, the
atmosphere, vegetation and land.
The Hydrological cycle
Make a copy of the
Hydrological cycle in
your notes.
Now create a table like the one below. Write the key words on your diagram
into the correct column of your table:
The Hydrological Cycle: Summary of Processes
Inputs
Stores
Processes /
transfers
The water cycle balance
precipitation
Under the ground
A closed system
Generation of
electricity
(hydroelectric
power stations
and reservoirs)
The mining
of ground
water for use
in agriculture
and industry
Agricultural
practices
ranging from
irrigation to
ploughing
Altering the
nature of the
vegetation
(including
deforestation)
Large amounts
of water vapour
released into the
atmosphere from
industrial activity
Paving, concrete,
and the
compacting of
soils
Increases space
available for
groundwater storage
thus decreases
discharge in channel
and may impact
aquatic life
Disrupts surface
run off, alters
natural pathways
of water flow.
Decreases
transpiration and
increases run off.
Soil washes away
into river channels
and clogs them up
leading to increased
flooding
Prevents infiltration,
decreases the amount of
water in storage as
groundwater. Increases
run-off and discharge in
channel leading to
flooding
Increases water surface
area allowing for
greater evaporation
Disrupts sediment in
river channel and
deprives downstream
of discharge
Increases cloud
cover leading to
increased
precipitation and
decreased
evaporation
Can lead to overall
cooling of
atmosphere
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