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 evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is the movement of water, usually from rain, that flows over the ground and returns to oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Front

What are clouds?

Back

Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere.

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 the largest reservoir of water on Earth?

Back

The largest reservoir of water on Earth is the oceans, which contain about 97% of the Earth's water.

Front

What happens during hail formation?

Back

Hail forms during strong thunderstorms when updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere where they freeze and fall back to Earth.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

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