The Water Cycle

Front

What is the Water Cycle?

Back

The Water Cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, involving evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water molecules in liquid form escape into the air as water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

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 precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is surface runoff?

Back

Surface runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and eventually enters rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

How does the sun influence the Water Cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which initiates the Water Cycle by turning liquid water into vapor.

Front

What role do clouds play in the Water Cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed during condensation and are essential for transporting water vapor, which eventually leads to precipitation.

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

How does water return to the oceans?

Back

Water returns to the oceans primarily through precipitation, such as rain or snow, that falls over land and flows back into the sea.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that infiltrates the soil and is stored underground in aquifers, contributing to the Water Cycle.