Evaporation In Relation To The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle

Evaporation is the phase change of liquid water into vapour. Evaporation is an important means of transferring energy between the surface and the air above.

The energy used to evaporate water is called “Latent Energy”. Latent Energy is ‘locked up’ in the water molecule when water undergoes the phase change from a liquid to gas.

88% of all water entering the atmosphere originates from the ocean between 0 degree north and 60 degree south latitude.

Most of the water evaporated from the ocean returns directly back to it. Some water is transported over land before it is precipitated out. Winds transport the evaporated water around the globe, thereby, influencing the humidity of the air throughout the world.

Most evaporated water exists as gas outside of clouds and evaporation is more intense in the presence of warmer temperature.

Also Read: Hydrological Cycle: What Is Water Cycle As It Relates To Engineering?