Question

bellringer week of 2/9
how might earth be different if one part of the water cycle stopped happening?
explain your thinking.

Explanation:

If evaporation stopped, no water would rise from oceans, lakes, or plants to form clouds. This would eliminate condensation and precipitation (rain, snow, etc.). Surface water sources would not be replenished; rivers and lakes would dry up over time, and groundwater reserves would be depleted as they are used but not refilled. Terrestrial ecosystems would collapse as plants lack water for photosynthesis, and animal populations dependent on freshwater would die off. The planet's climate would also shift drastically, as evaporation drives heat transfer and cloud formation, leading to extreme temperature swings and loss of humidity.

Answer:

If evaporation stopped:

1. No cloud formation (no condensation) or precipitation would occur.
2. Surface freshwater sources (rivers, lakes) would dry up, and groundwater would be exhausted.
3. Terrestrial ecosystems would collapse, with plants and animals dying from lack of water.
4. Climate would shift drastically, with extreme temperature swings and loss of atmospheric humidity.