Final answer:
The hydrological cycle is a continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, surface runoff, snowmelt, and subsurface water flow, driven by solar energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a continuous process powered by the sun's energy, which drives the movement of water in various forms across different parts of the Earth's system. This dynamic cycle includes several stages:
Evaporation and Sublimation: Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers is transformed into water vapor through evaporation. Similarly, ice and snow can convert directly into water vapor through sublimation.
Condensation: Water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, forming clouds through the process of condensation.
Precipitation: As clouds become saturated, water returns to Earth's surface as precipitation, which includes rain, snow, hail, or sleet.
Surface Runoff and Snowmelt: Water from precipitation may flow over the land's surface, known as surface runoff, or result from melting snow, collectively contributing to streamflow.
Subsurface Water Flow: Some water infiltrates into the ground, replenishing aquifers and becoming part of the groundwater. This underground water can also flow beneath the surface through subsurface flow.
After these stages, the cycle repeats as water from land can either re-enter the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration or flow back to the oceans, completing the cycle.