Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, involving stages such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

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 runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of excess water on the Earth's surface, often resulting from rain or melting snow, that eventually returns to bodies of water.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is located beneath the Earth's surface in the pores of rock and soil.

Front

What is surface runoff?

Back

Surface runoff is the movement of water over the ground surface, typically occurring when the soil is saturated or impermeable.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

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.