Water Cycle

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, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water is heated by the sun and changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapor), typically from bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds in the atmosphere.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil and moves through rocks and soil underground.

Front

True or False: When condensation occurs, cooling also occurs.

Back

True

Front

True or False: During evaporation, water is in its liquid form.

Back

False

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plant roots, moves through plants, and is released as water vapor through pores in leaves.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and eventually returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle by heating water bodies and facilitating the movement of water vapor into the atmosphere.