Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, which can be accessed through wells.

Front

What causes the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is driven by the sun's energy, which causes evaporation and helps move water through different states.

Front

How do plants contribute to the water cycle?

Back

Plants contribute to the water cycle through a process called transpiration, where they release water vapor into the air.

Front

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

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is the first step in the water cycle.

Front

What happens during the process of transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is when water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as vapor through leaves.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes, while transpiration is the release of vapor from plants.