Energy Transfers

Radiation

Radiation plays a very significant role in the water cycle, particularly during the process of evaporation. For example, in order to have water turn into water vapor, there needs to be enough thermal energy from the sun - in which case, the sun radiates.

Convection

Convection also plays a very significant role in the water cycle. Convection transfers heat when warmer air in the atmosphere rises above a denser cold air mass, also known as a warm front. As the warm air in the front rise above the surface of the Earth, it creates an environment for clouds to form - also known as condensation. In addition, if numbus clouds form and become suspended in air due to gravity, then precipitation will also occur.

The Equator (30 degrees latitude)

The equator, as we know, has very warm and tropical weather. Part of the reason why this occurs is because solar radiation is highest at the equator. This can also speed up the process of evaporation (in the water cycle as well). In addition, because there is much water present at the equator, much of it evaporates and condenses, and eventually precipitates as rain, resulting in temperate rainforests.

The Poles (90 degrees latitude)

Both the North Pole and the South Pole have very extreme weather conditions. It is always snowing and often cloudy as well. The sun is farther away from the poles, therefore it does not radiate enough heat to bring up temperatures. As a result, the existing temperature drops below the dew point to bring the moisture out of the air. Because the poles are cold at most times, any moist air that is pushed into the area by winds will cool and provide moisture or snow.

Also, clouds are produced when the poles experience spring warming and the summer melting. During the process of evaporation, water is evaporated from the melting snow surface, forming fog and low clouds in the poles during the summer months.