The Water Cycle and Carbon Cycle

1. The Water Cycle

Processes

1. Evaporation:

• Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil turns into water vapour due to heat from the sun.

2. Condensation:

• Water vapour rises, cools, and turns back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

3. Precipitation:

• Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

4. Collection:

• Water collects in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans, or soaks into the ground to become groundwater. Importance

• Regulates Climate: Distributes heat around the globe.

• Supports Life: Provides fresh water for plants, animals, and humans.

2. The Carbon Cycle

Processes

5. Photosynthesis:

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and use sunlight to convert it into glucose (food) and oxygen.

6. Respiration:

• Animals and plants breathe in oxygen and release CO₂ back into the atmosphere.

7. Decomposition:

• When plants and animals die, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break them down, releasing CO₂ into the air and nutrients into the soil.

8. Combustion:

• Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and biomass releases stored carbon as CO₂ into the atmosphere. Importance

• Regulates Climate: Controls the levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which affects Earth's temperature.

• Supports Life: Provides carbon, an essential element for all living organisms.

3. Global Warming

Causes of Global Warming

9. Burning Fossil Fuels: Using coal, oil, and natural gas for energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere.
10. Deforestation: Cutting down forests for agriculture and housing reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO₂. Trees convert CO₂ into oxygen and glucose (food) through photosynthesis.
11. Industrial Processes: Factories and industrial activities release various greenhouse gases, including CO₂, methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), contributing to global warming. Concerns of Global Warming

• Rising Sea Levels:
  • Flooding: Coastal areas and islands are at risk of flooding, which can displace communities.
  • Habitat loss: Wetlands and mangroves, which are crucial for biodiversity, are being submerged.
• More Intense Heatwaves:
  • Health risks: Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves pose health risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
  • Agriculture: High temperatures can damage crops and reduce yields, leading to food shortages.
• Changes in Ecosystems:
  • Migration patterns: Animals and plants may shift their habitats to cooler areas, disrupting ecosystems.
  • Extinction risks: Species unable to adapt to rapid climate changes face higher risks of extinction.