It is easy to understand the significance water plays in our lives, but it may be much more difficult to understand the water that exists below the earth's surface, called groundwater. Groundwater provides approximately 85 percent of the water used for human consumption in Nebraska, yet by its very location it tends to be somewhat mysterious. Despite much available information, groundwater's existence, movement, quantity and quality remain a mystery to many. These notions are incorrect descriptions of groundwater in Nebraska. The hydrologic cycle describes the constant movement of water above, on and below the earth's surface.
Water changes states between liquid, solid and gas during the cycle.
Condensation, evaporation and freezing of water occur in the cycle in response to the earth's climatic conditions. Figure 1 presents components of the hydrologic cycle that directly affect Nebraska. Components of the hydrologic cycle. The hydrologic cycle begins with water evaporation from the earth's soil, plant and water surfaces to form water vapor. The energy required to evaporate water is supplied by the sun.