The Sun and the Water Cycle

rain

temperature

the Sun

rotation

solar

wind

heat

light

precipitation

transpiration

evaporation

condensation

evaporation

condensation

precipitation

transpiration

Water vapor condensing to form clouds.

Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean.

Rain freezing as it falls to the ground.

Clouds releasing precipitation over a mountain.

Increased drought conditions

Decreased erosion of the shoreline

Increased precipitation

Decreased solar energy

Energy from the sun causes precipitation over the ocean.

Energy from the sun causes water to evaporate from the ocean.

Light from the sun reflects off the surface of the ocean.

Light from the sun decreases the amount of water vapor in the air over the ocean.

Soil to trap water from runoff

Rocks to release thermal energy

The sun to provide energy for evaporation

Plants to provide oxygen in the atmosphere

Heat from the sun warms the ocean causing water to evaporate. The water vapor then condenses to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

Heat from the sun causes clouds in the area to gather over the ocean and form on large cumulonimbus cloud.

Light from the sun shines on the ocean, causing water vapor to condense. The water then evaporates to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

Light from the sun causes ocean water to reflect water vapor in the air and gather over the ocean into a cumulonimbus cloud.