The Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the term for rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground?

Back

Precipitation

Front

What is the cycle by which water circulates between Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land?

Back

Water Cycle

Front

What process involves plants absorbing water through their roots and releasing water vapor through their leaves?

Back

Transpiration

Front

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

Back

Running Water

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 is the process called when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water?

Back

Condensation

Front

What is the term for the process where liquid water is heated and changes into water vapor?

Back

Evaporation

Front

What is the name of the area where water is stored underground?

Back

Aquifer

Front

What is the term for the movement of water from the surface of the Earth to the atmosphere?

Back

Evapotranspiration

Front

What is the term for the water that is held in the soil and available for plants?

Back

Soil Moisture