Collection is the final stage of the water cycle, where water that has fallen as precipitation gathers in various bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground aquifers. This collected water is then available to start the cycle again through processes like evaporation and transpiration.
During collection, water can be stored in different forms:
- Surface Water: This includes water in rivers, lakes, and oceans. It is the most visible form of collected water.
- Groundwater: This is water that seeps into the ground and is stored in aquifers. It can be accessed through wells and springs.
- Glaciers and Ice Caps: In colder regions, water is stored as ice and snow, which can melt and contribute to surface water over time.
Collection is crucial because it ensures that water is available for various ecosystems and human needs. Without this stage, the water cycle would be incomplete, and life on Earth would be unsustainable.