Streams and rivers are part of the stage of the hydrologic cycle known as 4) collection. This stage involves the gathering of water from various sources, such as runoff from precipitation, and its accumulation in bodies of water like streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Certainly! The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a continuous process that describes the movement of water on Earth. It involves several stages, and one of these stages is "collection."
In the collection stage, water from various sources is gathered and accumulated in bodies of water such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This accumulation occurs through various processes, including runoff from precipitation, which is when rainwater or melted snow flows over the land and eventually reaches larger bodies of water like rivers and streams.
When rain falls or snow melts, the water may flow over the ground and collect in small streams, which then merge into larger rivers. These rivers, in turn, carry the collected water towards larger bodies of water like lakes and eventually the ocean.
Streams and rivers play a crucial role in the hydrologic cycle as they act as natural channels for transporting water from one place to another. They provide a pathway for the collected water to reach larger bodies of water, where it can then evaporate back into the atmosphere, continue the cycle, and eventually fall as precipitation once again.
Overall, the collection stage of the hydrologic cycle is vital for the movement and distribution of water across the Earth's surface, ensuring that water is continuously recycled and made available to support various life forms and ecosystems.