The 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, precipitation, and collection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is collection in the water cycle?

Back

Collection is the process where water gathers in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, which can be accessed by plants and humans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapor from their leaves into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

How does evaporation contribute to the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation helps to move water from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere, starting the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does condensation contribute to the water cycle?

Back

Condensation forms clouds, which are essential for precipitation to occur in the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What role does precipitation play in the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation returns water from the atmosphere back to the Earth's surface, replenishing water sources.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4