Diagram Detail
Fig. 1 The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle back hi res
The water cycle depicts water moving through the atmosphere and on and under the surface of the earth. Another term for the water cycle is hydrologic cycle. Water moves
- downward as precipitation, into the soil and through the unsaturated zone as infiltration, and through the saturated zone to shallow and deep aquifers as recharge;
- laterally on the surface as surface runoff to lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers and underground as groundwater flow;
- upward as evapotranspiration from lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers, plants, soil, and groundwater, and as groundwater discharge to surface waters; and
- laterally aloft as atmospheric moisture, where condensation forms clouds.
Arrows depict movements in the water (hydrologic) cycle.
Except where indicated, all photos/graphics have been taken/produced by Water Survey staff. This page prints best in landscape mode.