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 like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor (gas) 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 transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere, and they are essential for precipitation.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

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

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.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from any surface, while transpiration specifically refers to water vapor released from plants.

Front

What happens during the process of precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.