آرشیف

Water is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless substance that exists in three forms: liquid, solid  (ice), and gas (vapor) on Earth. It is essential for life and plays a crucial role in various Earth  systems. The continuous movement of water between these forms and reservoirs is known as the  water cycle . 

First . The Water Cycle’s Metamorphosis: A Scientific Delve into Its  Forms 

The Water Cycle in a Circle 

The water cycle is a dynamic and interconnected process that involves the continuous exchange  of water between the Earth’s atmosphere, land surface, and subsurface. It is a closed-loop  system with no beginning or end, and it has been operating for billions of years . 

Water Distribution on Earth 

Water is distributed unevenly across the Earth’s surface. Approximately 97% of Earth’s water is  found in oceans, while freshwater accounts for only 3%. Freshwater is further divided into  surface water (lakes, rivers, streams) and groundwater (subsurface water stored in aquifers) .

Processes of the Water Cycle 

Evaporation: Solar radiation heats up water bodies, causing liquid water to change into water  vapor. This vapor enters the atmosphere . 

Transpiration: Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it into the  atmosphere as water vapor through their leaves. This process contributes significantly to  evapotranspiration, the combined loss of water from both land and water surfaces . 

Condensation: As water vapor rises in the atmosphere, it cools down and condenses into tiny  water droplets, forming clouds . 

Precipitation: When water droplets in clouds become too heavy, they fall to the Earth’s surface as  precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail . 

Infiltration: A portion of precipitation soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater stores . 

Runoff: Water that flows over the land surface due to gravity is called runoff. It eventually enters  streams, rivers, and ultimately oceans . 

Groundwater Flow: Groundwater moves slowly through underground rock and soil formations,  eventually reemerging as springs or discharging into rivers and oceans . 

Importance of the Water Cycle 

The water cycle is essential for life on Earth. It provides the following crucial benefits : 

Regulates Earth’s Climate: Water plays a key role in regulating Earth’s temperature by absorbing  and releasing heat energy . 

Supports Ecosystems: Water is essential for the survival of all living organisms and supports  diverse ecosystems . 

Drives Geological Processes: Water erosion and deposition shape Earth’s landscapes and  contribute to geological processes . 

Human Uses: Water is indispensable for human consumption, agriculture, industry, and  hydropower generation . 

Conclusion 

The water cycle is a complex and interconnected system that sustains life on Earth.  Understanding and managing this cycle is crucial for ensuring water security and environmental  sustainability . 

Second: The Origin and Role of Water in Religious Traditions First : The Role of Water in Ancient Iranian Culture 

Water held a profound and revered position in the culture and religious views of ancient Iran. For  millennia, it has been considered the source of life, prosperity, and blessing, finding its 

expression in the history, literature, art, customs, and architecture of Iranian peoples (Tajiks,  Persians, and Kurds) . 

According to historical texts, water was considered sacred in ancient Iran, and the goddess  “Nahid” or “Anahita” was its guardian. In Iranian rituals, water was accepted as a symbol of purity,  birth, and freshness and was used in various life ceremonies . 

Water in Zoroastrianism: 

In the Avesta, the oldest holy book of Zoroastrians, water is referred to as “Ahura Mazda’s  creation” and “a gift from him to humanity.” In Zoroastrian religious writings, water plays a central  and fundamental role in the story of the creation of the world. According to the narratives, Ahura  Mazda created existence from six pure gems, one of which was water. Water initially existed as a  vast ocean called “Vorejhna” (offering a different interpretation of a text) and was then divided  into seven parts, each playing a specific role in creation. 

Second . The place of water in Abrahamic religions 

Water plays a vital and symbolic role in Abrahamic religions including Judaism, Christianity and  Islam. In the sacred texts of these religions, water is mentioned as the source of life, a symbol of  purity and a means of salvation . 

Water plays an essential role in the creation stories of Torah, Bible and Quran. God created  water at the beginning of creation and used it to create the earth and sky and all creatures . 

The Torah: The book of Genesis, chapter 1, praises the creation of water as God’s first act: “In  the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, now the earth was formless and empty,  darkness was over the earth. in the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters (Genesis  1:1-2) . 

Bible: In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 1, it says that in the beginning, “the earth was  without form and void, and darkness was over the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over it.  over the waters.” (John 1: 1) Then God created light and separated the waters and brought out  the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:6-10) 

The Holy Qur’an: Surah Baqarah, verse 253, refers to the creation of water from the sky: “And He  is the One who sent down from the sky to purify you with them, and there is death.” Earth and  causes abundant growth of all kinds of plants. (Quran 2:253 

Third – the importance of water in Buddhism 

Water has a special place in Buddhism and plays a deep symbolic and practical role in its  teachings and rituals. Throughout Buddhist texts, water is revered as the source of life, the  purifier, and the embodiment of enlightenment . 

In the Buddhist creation story found in the Tripitaka, water takes center stage. In this narration,  there was only water in the beginning. From this eternal water, the earth, the sky and all the  creatures emerged. In some Buddhist texts, water is considered a place of rebirth and salvation.  Before attaining enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven weeks meditating on the banks of the  Naranjara River .

Water in Buddhism is also a symbol of the impermanence of everything in this world. The ever flowing nature of water serves as a reminder that nothing in this world remains constant and  everything is in flux. This concept aligns with Buddhist teachings on anika (anitya), the  impermanence and transience of all things. 

For more information, refer to the following sources: 

1. Vocabulary group. Javad Mirshkari, editor. Thirteenth office. Dictionary of words  approved by the academy. Tehran: Farhangistan Persian Language and Literature  Publications (under the title water cycle) 
2. Familiarity with underground water resources, Iran Water Management Institute, first  edition 2012, p. 30. 

3 . Measurment and estimation of evaporation and transpiration, 1968 4. “Retreat of glaciers since 1850”. Wikipedia 02-09-2020 .) انگلیسی به) 

5. “History of evolutionary thought”. Wikipedia 02-09-2020 .) انگلیسی به). – www.flcjeff.org/education/theology-on-demand/lgbtq-inclusion-in-the-church cottaunitedchurch.ca/Sermon/When-Chaos-turns-to-order / 

– Churchatchapelhill.weebly.com/blog/archives/06

Author: Dr. Basir Kamjo 

July 2024