How the water cycle affects weather patterns and climate around the world?
1 Answer
Jan 8, 2018
Basically, the water cycle IS the weather!
Explanation:
It is the movement of water across the planet in its various forms that carry most of the heat energy from the sun. Thus, "climate" defined primarily in terms of incident radiation and average surface temperatures only provides the "engine" to the water cycle.
It is the water cycle itself that creates major and minor storms, moves tremendous amount of heat around the planet, provides moisture for growth and weathering on land. The specific "patterns" depend on the relative temperature zones and the amount of surface water in the region.
See the NOAA website for details of patterns and seasons.
