Hydrosphere & Water Cycle

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is the process when clouds get too heavy and water falls back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is all the water contained on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

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What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process in which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

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What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process in which material is worn away and transported by a stream or other natural forces.

Front

How does the amount of water in the water cycle change?

Back

The amount of water in the water cycle remains constant; it is recycled through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is transpiration?

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Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

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What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, usually from precipitation, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water.

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What is groundwater?

Back

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

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What is surface water?

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Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground, such as in rivers, lakes, and ponds.