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 collection.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

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 precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What are aquifers?

Back

Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediment that store groundwater.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and into bodies of water.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, where water vapor rises and contributes to weather patterns.

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.