Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the Earth and its atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually when it is heated.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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 flow of water, usually from rain, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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.

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is the gaseous state of water, which is invisible and present in the air.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor, while condensation is the process of vapor turning back into liquid.

Front

What happens during precipitation?

Back

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