Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is when water changes from a liquid to a gas.

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 that falls from the sky, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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 causes puddles to disappear on a hot day?

Back

Puddles disappear due to evaporation, where the liquid water changes into gas.

Front

What is surface runoff?

Back

Surface runoff is rain, melting snow, or other water that flows in streams, rivers, or canals.

Front

Why is runoff important?

Back

Runoff is important because it returns water to other locations on Earth.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides energy that causes evaporation, driving the water cycle.