The influence of vegetation on the water cycle

The influence of vegetation on the water cycle

It is well known that water is a crucial factor in the growth and development of plants. But not everyone is aware that vegetation has just as much influence on the water cycle. It plays an essential role in regulating the local and global climate by transporting water from the ground to the atmosphere, the so-called evapotranspiration process. This article takes a closer look at this complex interaction process and explains how vegetation influences the water cycle.

Explanation of the water cycle

What is the water cycle?

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous exchange of water within the hydrosphere between the atmosphere, soil water, surface water, groundwater and plants. It is a closed cycle in which water changes its physical states and stays in different places.

The phases of the water cycle

The water cycle essentially consists of four phases:

• Verdunstung: Hier wird Wasser von der Erdoberfläche und den Gewässern in die Atmosphäre transportiert.
• Transpiration: Dies ist der Prozess, über den Wasser von Pflanzen in die Atmosphäre gelangt.
• Kondensation: In der Atmosphäre kondensiert das Wasser und wird zu Wolken.
• Niederschlag: Der Niederschlag bringt das Wasser zurück zur Erde, wo der Kreislauf dann von Neuem beginnt.

The role of vegetation in the water cycle

Perspiration as an important element

Vegetation influences the water cycle primarily through the process of transpiration. Through their leaves, plants release water in the form of water vapor, which they previously absorbed from the soil through their roots. During the day, when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, plants open their stomata (small openings on the underside of their leaves) to absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. In doing so, they lose water, which then enters the atmosphere.

Soil water balance and high evapotranspiration

Plants affect soil water balance and increase total evapotranspiration. Especially in dry regions, vegetation can help keep the soil moist. Plants shade the ground and thus reduce soil evaporation. At the same time, plants absorb water from deeper layers of the soil and transport it to the surface and into the atmosphere via transpiration.

The effects of vegetation change on the water cycle

Deforestation and its consequences

The removal of vegetation, particularly large-scale deforestation, can have serious impacts on the water cycle. Forest areas often have a high transpiration rate and can store a lot of water. When trees are removed, evaporation decreases and more water enters rivers and lakes and less enters the atmosphere. As a result, there may be altered rainfall patterns, increased erosion and, in some cases, drought.

Reforestation and the restoration of the water cycle

On the other hand, revegetating landscapes can regenerate and stabilize the water cycle in the region. New trees and plants absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration, increasing evapotranspiration and influencing the local climate.

Conclusion

Vegetation is an important player in the water cycle. Through transpiration and evapotranspiration, it has a major influence on the climate and helps maintain balance in the water cycle. Changes in vegetation can have significant impacts, particularly when these changes occur on a large scale, such as deforestation and reforestation. In order to maintain the balance of the water cycle, it is therefore important that we protect and use our natural resources sustainably.