A large rain storm hits your town and it rains all day. How does this event relate to the water cycle, and what happens to the water after the rain storm? First, state which stage of the water cycle is demonstrated by the storm. Next, use the remaining stages of the water cycle to explain what happens to the water as the water cycle is completed. Remember that the stages of the water cycle include evaporation, precipitation, condensation, and runoff.

Answer 1

The large rainstorm hitting your town primarily demonstrates the stage of precipitation in the water cycle, as it involves water falling from the atmosphere in the form of rain.

After the rainstorm, several processes within the water cycle continue to unfold:

1. Runoff: Following the precipitation, some of the rainwater will flow over the ground as runoff, especially if the ground is saturated or if the terrain is sloped. This runoff will typically move toward rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, contributing to surface water levels.

2. Infiltration: Some of the rainwater will seep into the ground through a process called infiltration. This water can recharge groundwater supplies, replenishing aquifers that supply water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses.

3. Evaporation: Once the sun comes out or temperatures rise, some of the water from the ground, bodies of water, and even the moist soil will begin to evaporate, turning from liquid to vapor. This is a key part of the water cycle, where water returns to the atmosphere.

4. Condensation: As water vapor rises, it cools down and can condense to form clouds. This is facilitated by temperature and humidity changes in the atmosphere. The condensed water droplets eventually coalesce to form larger droplets, which can lead to the next cycle of precipitation, completing the cycle.

In summary, after a rainstorm, the water undergoes processes like runoff and infiltration, leading to evaporation and condensation, and creating a continual cycle that sustains ecosystems and replenishes water sources.