WEBVTT

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The hydrological cycle

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The hydrological cycle, or water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface.

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It's crucial for replenishing our water resources and supporting life.

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Let's break down the cycle into simple stages.

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1. Evaporation

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Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers heats up due to the sun and turns into vapor.

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For instance, on a sunny day, water from the Arabian Gulf evaporates into the atmosphere.

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2. Transpiration

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Plants also release water vapor through their leaves into the air.

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Date palms and desert shrubs found across GCC countries like the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain contribute moisture to the atmosphere this way.

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3. Condensation

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As water vapor rises, it cools down and turns back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

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This process occurs over many parts of the Arabian peninsula, such as the Hajar Mountains in Oman, or the Alhasa region in eastern Gulf areas, where rising moist air cools and forms clouds.

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4. Precipitation

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When clouds become heavy, water falls back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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In high areas like Jebel Jais and Dhofar, rainfall refills groundwater and supports farming and greenery.

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5. Collection

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Water then collects embodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Some water also seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.

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In GCC countries, rainwater gathers in wadis like Wadi Bunny Khalid, or Wadi Tayyib al Isum, helping refill underground aquifers.

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So evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and collection all work together in this cycle to keep our water resources balanced and our planet healthy.