Soil processes in the hydrologic cycle

Abstract

Water in soils is only 0.0012% of Earth's water and yet it is paramount in regional scale processes, in the climate system, and for life on Earth. The storage and retention of water in soils affects energy partitioning processes at the land surface, plants transpiration, hydrological processes, and water management practices. Finally, it controls soil's ability to act as a sink or source for greenhouse gases with an indirect yet strong control on the global climate system.