Water Cycle Vocabulary

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 again through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is when water flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans because it cannot soak into the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed during condensation and are essential for precipitation, as they hold water vapor that eventually falls as rain or snow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

Why is the ocean important in the water cycle?

Back

The ocean provides most of the water for the water cycle through evaporation, making it a crucial component.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that has soaked into the ground and is stored in soil and rock layers, which can be accessed through wells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves, contributing to the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

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