Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What causes precipitation to occur?

Back

Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds become too heavy for the air to hold and fall to the ground due to gravity.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, usually from rain or melted snow, that moves over the ground and eventually reaches rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role does gravity play in the water cycle?

Back

Gravity causes water to flow from higher elevations (like mountains) to lower areas (like oceans) and is responsible for precipitation falling to the ground.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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

Does the water cycle have a beginning and an end?

Back

No, the water cycle has no beginning and no end; it is a continuous cycle.