The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is the continuous circulation of water within the Earth–atmosphere system, driven primarily by solar radiation and gravity. It encompasses phase changes and fluxes such as evaporation and transpiration from surface and biotic reservoirs, condensation in the atmosphere, cloud formation, and subsequent precipitation as rain, snow, or other hydrometeors. Infiltration, percolation, and groundwater flow redistribute water within subsurface reservoirs, while surface runoff and riverine transport return water to oceans and lakes. The water cycle regulates climate, controls energy and mass exchanges, and governs biogeochemical transport across terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric compartments.
Caltech researchers have developed a new simulation of the hydrological cycle on Jupiter, modeling how water vapor condenses into clouds and falls as rain throughout the giant planet's swirled, turbulent atmosphere. The research ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 29, 2025
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The water cycle has become increasingly erratic and extreme, swinging between deluge and drought, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It highlights the cascading impacts of too much ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 18, 2025
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The Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest, home to unmatched biodiversity and one of the planet's longest rivers. Besides the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest also features "flying rivers:" invisible streams of ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 2, 2025
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A new study on water usage inside U.S. homes found toilets led the way for the highest water use, followed closely by showers, while dishwashers used the least.
Environment
Sep 2, 2025
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27 August 2025: International agricultural trade plays a central role in balancing global food supply and demand. Yet, with every shipment of crops crossing borders, the water used to produce them is virtually transferred ...
Environment
Aug 27, 2025
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The Colorado River is in trouble: Not as much water flows into the river as people are entitled to take out of it. A new idea might change that, but complicated political and practical negotiations stand in the way.
Earth Sciences
Aug 7, 2025
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New findings from studying over two decades of satellite observations reveal that Earth's continents have experienced unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, driven by climate change, unsustainable groundwater use and extreme ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 25, 2025
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The water beneath our feet that we use to bathe, drink and water crops is vanishing faster than ever in the Colorado River Basin, according to a new study.
Environment
Jun 16, 2025
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Climate change is reshaping the global water cycle, disrupting rainfall patterns and putting growing pressure on cities and ecosystems. Some regions are grappling with heavier rainfall and flooding, while others face prolonged ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 6, 2025
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45
Billions of years ago, water flowed on the surface of Mars. But scientists have an incomplete picture of how the red planet's water cycle worked.
Astrobiology
May 19, 2025
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