Water Cycle Terminology

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Water Cycle

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The continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

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Sublimation

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The process by which a solid changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid, such as snow or ice changing into water vapor in the air.

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Transpiration

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The process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.

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Evaporation

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The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

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Precipitation

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Any form of water - liquid or solid - falling from the sky, including rain, sleet, snow, and hail.

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Condensation

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The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water, often forming clouds or dew.

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Condensation Nuclei

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Small particles in the atmosphere, such as dust or pollen, that provide a surface for water vapor to condense upon, forming clouds.

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Runoff

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The flow of water, from rain, snowmelt, or other sources, over land, which eventually reaches rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Infiltration

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The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

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Groundwater

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Water that is stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.