User:Andrewglouchkow/sandbox
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Paleoclimatic records indicate that the Earth's water cycle has undergone natural fluctuations since Earth's formation, however, current changes in the water cycle can be primarily attributed to a changing climate as a result of anthropogenic emissions.[1] The effects of climate change on the water cycle are profound and have been described as an intensification or a strengthening of the water cycle (also called hydrologic cycle).[2]: 1079 This effect has been observed since at least 1980. [2]: 1079 The global water cycle encompasses the continuous circulation of water through the Earth's surface, atmosphere, subsurface and stores such as glaciers, oceans and ground water.[1] It is an essential mechanism for maintaining freshwater resources, as well as other water reservoirs such as oceans, Ice sheets, atmosphere and land surface. The water cycle is essential to life on Earth and plays a large role in maintaining a stable global climate. The warming of our planet is expected to cause changes in the water cycle for various reasons.[3] Changes is the water cycle can have global, regional and local impacts, impacting water-resource availability, the frequency and severity of storms, droughts and floods, and further increases in global warming through increased water vapor in atmosphere.[4]