Final answer:
Satellites increase our understanding of the Earth's water cycle by providing global data and observations from space. Ground-based data has limitations and may not provide a complete picture of the water cycle on a global scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of satellites increases our understanding of the Earth's water cycle by providing valuable data and observations from space.
Satellites can measure various components of the water cycle, including precipitation, evaporation, cloud cover, and ocean currents. They can also track changes in ice caps, glaciers, and water levels in lakes and rivers. Satellites provide a global perspective and can collect data from remote and inaccessible areas.
While data collected from the ground is important, it has limitations. Ground-based data is often limited to specific locations and may not provide a complete picture of the water cycle on a global scale. Satellites, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive view of the Earth's water cycle by collecting data from different parts of the world simultaneously. Satellite data also enables scientists to monitor long-term trends and make predictions about future changes in the water cycle.