Water Cycle Model

About this model

This diagram models the water cycle, showcasing the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and surface streamflow to illustrate the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. At the core of the simulation, a series of converters and pools are utilized to represent the transition of water from one state to another: "Evaporation" converts ocean water to water vapor, "Condensation" turns water vapor into clouds, and "Precipitation" channels water from clouds back to land and ocean. The "Ocean Water" pool acts as the primary reservoir, feeding the evaporation process, which is influenced by the sun's intensity, modeled as a user-interactive pool named "Sun".

The "Surface Streamflow" converter simulates the movement of water from land back to the ocean, effectively closing the cycle. Various pools labeled "Land" receive water through precipitation and contribute to streamflow, each connected by resource connections that dictate the distribution percentages and transfer intervals. The diagram also includes a drain node to simulate water loss and sources to inject additional resources, such as sunlight, into the cycle. A gate titled "Precipitation" controls the release of water from clouds to land and ocean, operating under deterministic conditions to ensure a regulated flow. This intricate system not only demonstrates the cyclic nature of water movement but also integrates user interaction and automatic processes, embodying the dynamic and interdependent components of the Earth's water cycle.

"Water Cycle Model" is a public Machinations diagram shared in the Community by Daniel Narvaez, with 34 components.

It was created in September 2020 and last edited in October 2024.

Open the diagram in the Machinations app and press Play to watch the resources move, adjust its values to test how the system responds, or remix it to make an editable copy in My diagrams.