The Water Cycle

Front

What is the Water Cycle?

Back

The Water Cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and transpiration.

Front

Define Evaporation.

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is Condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

Define Precipitation.

Back

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

Front

What is Infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water moves into the ground, passing through soil and rock.

Front

Define Groundwater.

Back

Groundwater is water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers.

Front

What is Transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What role does the sun play in the Water Cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the entire Water Cycle.

Front

What is the difference between surface runoff and infiltration?

Back

Surface runoff is water that flows over the ground surface into bodies of water, while infiltration is the process of water entering the soil.

Front

Define the term 'Aquifer'.

Back

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.