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, and precipitation.

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What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is 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 runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Where does most evaporation occur on Earth?

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Most evaporation occurs over oceans, which cover about 71% of the Earth's surface.

Front

What role do particles in the atmosphere play in the water cycle?

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Particles in the atmosphere, like dust, provide surfaces for water vapor to condense into droplets, forming clouds.

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What is dew?

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Dew is water droplets that form on surfaces when water vapor in the air cools and condenses.

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

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Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.