gen-define-the-hydrologic-cycle-in-weather-and-give-one-short-wo-fd3c

Define the hydrologic cycle in weather and give one short worked example.

# Hydrologic Cycle **Definition:** The hydrologic cycle (water cycle) is the continuous movement of water through Earth's atmosphere, surface, and subsurface via processes including evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. ## Key Processes: 1. **Evaporation** - water converts from liquid to vapor 2. **Transpiration** - plants release water vapor 3. **Condensation** - vapor cools and forms clouds 4. **Precipitation** - water falls as rain, snow, etc. 5. **Infiltration** - water soaks into ground 6. **Runoff** - water flows over land to water bodies --- ## Worked Example **Problem:** A small lake receives 150 mm of rainfall in a month. During the same period, 80 mm evaporates, 30 mm infiltrates into groundwater, and 20 mm flows out as surface runoff. What is the net change in lake water level? **Solution:** - Input: Precipitation = +150 mm - Outputs: - Evaporation = -80 mm - Infiltration = -30 mm - Runoff = -20 mm Net change = 150 - (80 + 30 + 20) = 150 - 130 = **+20 mm** **Answer:** The lake water level increases by 20 mm over the month.