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Most of the water cycle takes place over the ocean because water evaporates from the large surface area of the oceans, forming clouds and precipitation that eventually fall back into the ocean. The oceans store a vast amount of water, so they play a significant role in the global water cycle.
Most of the water cycle takes place over the ocean because that is where the solar energy from the sun can be absorbed fastest by water.
At the equator,
* The oceans absorb vast amounts of energy and liquid water is converted to vapor.
* This creates a convection cycle when the warmer vapor rises in the atmosphere.
* Cooler air from the poles is then pulled in close to the surface bringing it closer to the equator.
* The cycle then repeats itself sending the warmer air through the jetstream back to the poles.
Saturation levels (when the clouds can't hold in the rain)
* Low level clouds can hold a lot of water. It's only when they are forced to rise when they move over land that they reach saturation level and drop their load. * Due to lack of terrain on the oceans and high humidity levels, temperatures do not fluctuate as they would on land and saturation levels are more difficult to reach.
* This is why fronts can travel great distances across oceans, but when they reach land and are forced upwards by terrain they reach the saturation point and release heavy amounts of condensed water vapor (rain, snow, etc.).
* Ever wonder why Washington state gets so much rain? Look at a physical map of the state. Saturation level is reached as the front tries to climb the mountains.
* The same goes for the arid regions of the southwest. Most of the water vapor from fronts is deposited on the windward side of the mountains leaving little water in the front when it reaches the leeward side.
You can find out more by researching the hydrologic cycle.
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What is the best part of the water cycle?
the water cycle has seven parts to it, yet the most important process is precipitation, because it brings the water back down to earth to restart the cycle. after all, without the water the would be no water cycle
Where does most evaporation in the global water cycle occur?
The Atmosphere
Where is most of the earths water?
the ocean
Where is most water stored in the water cycle?
The majority of water in the water cycle is stored in the world's oceans. Oceans hold about 97% of Earth's water. Groundwater, ice caps and glaciers, lakes, and rivers also store water in smaller amounts.
Where is the most of the water located in the water cycle at a given time?
Most of the water in the water cycle at any given time is found in the world's oceans. Around 97% of Earth's water is stored in the oceans, making it the largest reservoir in the water cycle.
Which reservoir in the water cycle contains the most water?
the ice water
What part of the water cycle is most like the steam over a pot?
the ocean water
Which Process of water cycle provides most of the water vapor in earths atmosphere?
Evaporation from the ocean
What is the best part of the water cycle?
the water cycle has seven parts to it, yet the most important process is precipitation, because it brings the water back down to earth to restart the cycle. after all, without the water the would be no water cycle
What happens to water in the ocean?
eventually the water will evaporate and leave most of the salt behind and fall again, baisically the water cycle.
Why does most precipitation fall into the ocean?
Most precipitation falls into the ocean because about 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water. The water cycle drives the movement of water from the ocean to the atmosphere and back again through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, resulting in a large amount of rainfall in the ocean.
Which process of the water cycle provides most of the water vapor in Earth's atmosphere?
Evaporation is the process in the water cycle that provides most of the water vapor in Earth's atmosphere. It occurs when liquid water changes into water vapor due to heat from the sun.
Where does most water evaporation take place?
Most water evaporation takes place in the oceans due to their vast surface area. The combination of high temperatures and strong sunlight over the ocean leads to significant evaporation rates. This water vapor eventually forms clouds and contributes to the water cycle.
How does most water return to the ocean?
Most water returns to the ocean through the water cycle, where water evaporates from bodies of water, condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds, and then falls back to the Earth as precipitation. This water eventually flows back to the oceans through rivers, streams, and groundwater.
What element is most important in the water cycle?
The most important element in the water cycle is water itself. Without it, the water cycle would not exist.
Why did water get into the ocean?
Because of the flood recorded in the bible. More accurate lately since most of the flood water has probably gone trough the water cycle: it is ware all the water flows.
What is most likely a difference between the water in lake blackshear and the water in the Atlantic ocean?
temperature, and the microrganisms that live in the water because lake water stay in same place for long time while ocean water flows
