Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

Define evaporation in the context of the water cycle.

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor (gas) due to heat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming droplets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

Explain precipitation in the water cycle.

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff in the water cycle?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation rates?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed by condensation of water vapor and are essential for precipitation, returning water to the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the significance of the water cycle for ecosystems?

Back

The water cycle is crucial for maintaining ecosystems as it distributes water, supports plant growth, and regulates climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

Describe the process of transpiration.

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor through pores in leaves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes and rivers, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4