Hydrologic Cycle

Earth's hydrologic cycle is a complex, open, global system in which vast currents of water, water vapor, ice, and associated energy are continuously flowing.

The hydrologic cycle connects all of Earth's major systems, as water moves through:

• the Biosphere (Earth's ecosystems)
• The Atmosphere (everything above Earth's surface)
• The Hydrosphere (all water on Earth)
• The Lithosphere (the rocks and minerals in Earth's crust)

However, the amount of water is not evenly distributed between these systems!

The hydrologic cycle consists of water continuously flowing through Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

The hydrologic cycle can be divided into three main components: (1) Atmosphere, (2) Surface, and (3) Subsurface. The next three pages will examine each of these areas in more detail.