Great Lakes Communities and Ecosystems
Water Cycle How the cycle works Added human pressures

INFILTRATION
Porous land surfaces allow water to infiltrate the soil and recharge underground water storage areas, or aquifers. This critical groundwater- recharge function is diminished when land is covered with pavement and buildings, creating non-porous surfaces.

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Water Cycle diagram

© 2003 Union of Concerned Scientists Riparian ZonesGreat LakeWetlandsGroundwaterForestsSurface and Subsurface RunoffSurface WaterInfiltrationEvaporationWatershed BoundaryTranspirationPrecipitationCondensation