Water Cycle Model

Water Cycle Model

        Once set up, this is a self contained water cycle model.
        Water is introduced into the area circled in green.
        This represents the ocean or large body of water.
        The white plastic at the top of the image is located on the top cover of the water model. (Blue circle)
        This is where ice is placed, then covered by the white plastic.
        In this particular exercise, we also placed hot cocoa power along the rivers - to represent soil. (Red circle)

        The ice is placed on the top cover then covered by the white plastic representing clouds or water vapor.
        A heat source is needed to warm the air inside the model.
        As the air warms, it evaporates some of the water.
        Since the model is enclosed this water vapor cannot escape.
        A cool surface emerges inside the model from where the ice is placed.
        And just like water droplets form on cold drinks in the summer, water droplets form on the inside of the model,
where ice was placed representing the clouds.
        Eventually these water droplets become too large to remain in place and fall onto the model surface
- representing precipitation.

As the precipitation flows back to the large body of water, it picks up sediment (cocoa powder) and the effects
become very clear, or actually more muddy!

Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area (RCRCA)
1241 East Bridge Street
Redwood Falls, MN 56283
Phone: 507-637-2142, ext. 4
Fax: 507-637-2134
E-mail: rcrca2day@yahoo. com