Why oceans are important as a source of moisture
http://oceanmotion.org/html/background/climate.htm
Oceans play a crucial role in the Earth's water cycle and are a significant source of moisture for the planet. Here's why:
1. Evaporation: Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface, and they constantly receive heat from the sun. This heat energy causes the water molecules at the ocean's surface to gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as water vapor through a process called evaporation.
2. Water Vapor: As water molecules evaporate from the ocean's surface, they turn into water vapor, which is an invisible gas. Water vapor is a key component of the Earth's atmosphere and contributes to the overall moisture content in the air.
3. Transportation: The water vapor formed through evaporation gets transported by wind currents from oceans to other areas around the globe. This movement of moisture-laden air is essential for redistributing water vapor from regions of high humidity, such as the tropics, to regions of lower humidity, such as arid or landlocked areas.
4. Condensation: When the warm, moisture-laden air rises into the atmosphere, it begins to cool down as it moves to higher altitudes. As the air gets colder, the water vapor molecules lose energy and start to condense into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. This process is known as condensation.
5. Cloud Formation and Precipitation: The condensed water droplets or ice crystals form clouds, which are visible masses of suspended water vapor in the atmosphere. Clouds serve as reservoirs of moisture in the air. Under the right conditions, these droplets or crystals collide and merge, forming larger drops or ice particles. Eventually, they become heavy enough to fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Thus, oceans provide the initial source of moisture through evaporation, which eventually leads to cloud formation and precipitation. This cycle ensures the availability of freshwater resources and sustains ecosystems on land. Understanding the role of oceans in the water cycle helps us appreciate their significance and importance as a source of moisture.