Water Cycle, Weather and Climate

Front

water cycle

Back

The continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back.

Front

atmosphere

Back

The mixture of gases that surround a planet.

Front

precipitation

Back

A form of water (e.g., hail, rain, sleet, snow) that condenses in the atmosphere and falls to Earth's surface.

Front

evaporation

Back

The process by which water is changed from a liquid to a gas (water vapor); a stage of the water cycle.

Front

condensation

Back

The process by which water is changed from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid; a stage of the water cycle.

Front

runoff

Back

Water that does not soak into the ground and flows across Earth's surface.

Front

weather

Back

The condition of the atmosphere at a given time and place.

Front

humidity

Back

The amount of water vapor in the air.

Front

wind

Back

Air that is moving.

Front

air mass

Back

A large body of air has similar air temperature and humidity throughout.