Imagine the world as one big water ride, where H2O is the passenger constantly in motion. This journey of water between the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere is what we call the Hydrological Cycle.

This water ride has specific pit stops – the drainage basin. Here, the ride has only one entrance – precipitation (Rain, Snow, etc.). But there are two exits: evapotranspiration (water loss through evaporation and plant transpiration) and runoff (water that flows over the Earth's surface). Oh, and there might be a secret exit where some water sneaks out into other basins. Naughty, isn’t it?

Side Note: The drainage basin system is an open system. It’s like a house party, where energy and matter can freely come and go. And guess who is the DJ? That's right, it's Solar Radiation that keeps this party going!

Water can decide to chill in various locations during its journey: in the vegetation, on the surface, within soil moisture, in the groundwater, or in water channels. Think of these as pit stops for the water to rest during its grand journey.

Let's Dive Deeper: Inputs and Outputs in the Hydrological Cycle