5.8B Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Water on the surface of Earth's ground, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process where water vapor (gas) cools down and changes to liquid, forming clouds.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

The process of water evaporation from plants into the air.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The movement of water into the air as water vapor and back to the Earth's surface as liquid or solid.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Water falling back to the Earth's surface as rain, sleet, hail, or snow.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process of water changing from liquid to gas, often due to heat.

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed by condensation and are essential for precipitation.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water after precipitation.

Front

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

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water in its gaseous state, which is a key component of the water cycle.