What Are the Two Main Drivers of the Water Cycle?

Discover how the sun and gravity power the water cycle, driving evaporation, precipitation, and water flow on Earth.

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The two main drivers of the water cycle are the sun and gravity. The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation and transpiration, turning water into vapor. Gravity pulls water back to Earth in the form of precipitation and drives the flow of water in rivers and streams.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What role does the sun play in the water cycle? The sun provides the energy that causes evaporation and transpiration, turning liquid water into vapor that rises into the atmosphere.
  2. How does gravity influence the water cycle? Gravity pulls water back to Earth's surface as precipitation and controls the flow of water in rivers and streams.
  3. What are the main processes driven by the sun and gravity in the water cycle? The sun drives evaporation and transpiration, while gravity governs precipitation and surface water movement.

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