The Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the term for the flow of excess water on Earth’s surface due to too much meltwater or stormwater?

Back

Surface runoff

Front

What do we call water that flows or moves from one location to another on Earth?

Back

Running Water

Front

What is a large body of water surrounded by land, most of which are freshwater?

Back

Lake

Front

What is the term for water that is located beneath the surface of the ground?

Back

Groundwater

Front

What is the process called when fallen snow melts into liquid water that flows on Earth’s surface?

Back

Snowmelt

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What are the main stages of the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.

Front

What is evaporation in the context of the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.