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The Water Cycle

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Where does the water cycle begin?

Of course the mention of the word "cycle" in "water cycle" is a giveaway that the water cycle has no beginning or ending. But, if it did, where do YOU think it would begin. Make your choice from the list below and then see what others think.

Diagram of the water cycle.

Atmosphere Condensation Evaporation
Evapotranspiration Freshwater storage Ground-water discharge
Ground-water storage Ice and snow Infiltration
Oceans Precipitation Snowmelt
Springs Streamflow Sublimation
Surface runoff   No opinion
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Last Modified: Nov 07, 2008
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