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 from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor (gas) cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is runoff?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role do oceans play in the water cycle?

Back

Oceans provide most of the water for the water cycle through evaporation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens during the evaporation process?

Back

During evaporation, water absorbs heat and transforms into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the significance of clouds in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds form during condensation and are essential for precipitation, which replenishes water sources.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, and it is an important part of the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1