Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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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 runoff.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process where liquid water heats up and changes into water vapor (gas) due to heat from the sun.

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What is condensation?

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

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What is precipitation?

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

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the movement of water, usually from rain or melted snow, that flows over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

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The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle by heating water in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is transpiration?

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Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves, contributing to the water cycle.

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What is infiltration?

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Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies.

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What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

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Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes and rivers, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What happens during precipitation?

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During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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