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 evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is the gaseous state of water that is present in the air.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides heat energy that causes evaporation of water from the Earth's surface.

Front

What happens to water vapor in the atmosphere?

Back

Water vapor rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds.

Front

What is the starting point of the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle has no specific starting point; it is a continuous cycle.

Front

What would happen if evaporation stopped?

Back

If evaporation stopped, the water cycle would be disrupted, leading to less precipitation.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.