Educational Model: Hydrological Cycle

Part of the IUMC (Innovative Educational and Methodological Complex) “Ecology: Constructing the Biosphere,” developed in 2008 by D. A. Shabanov, A. G. Kozlenko, and M. A. Kravchenko by order of the NTFP (National Training Foundation) of the Russian Federation (more about this project is in the article "Innovation and Reality"; the reasons why this complex is not used are briefly described in the column "Textbooks: Straight into the Day After Tomorrow"). This model is posted here for educational use. The model demonstrates the main stages of the water cycle (hydrological cycle). The theoretical material related to the model is presented in the section Sources of Energy for Biogeochemical Cycles in the manual "Ecology: Biology of Interactions." At the first stage of work with the model, an animation is shown in the working area of the screen; its individual phases correspond to individual stages of the hydrological cycle. Explanations for the animation are located in the information area of the screen. Navigation (transition from one stage to another) is performed with the “Next” button. At the second stage of work with the model, you need to calculate the intensity of one of the water flows in the biosphere. Note that flows are indicated by arrows, and pools by ovals. Instructions for working with the model are located at the very bottom of its window; if these instructions do not fit in the box, they can be scrolled up and down using the arrows on the right. Some tasks that can be solved while working with the model: 1. Examine the processes of transformation of solar energy by Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere, and assess their significance for matter fluxes on the planet. Calculate the value of one of the fluxes in the hydrological cycle at the second stage of the work. 2. What is the origin of the energy extracted from water and air flows using hydroelectric power plants and wind power plants? 3. Determine the significance of the hydrological cycle for the cycles of other substances in the biosphere.