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 infiltration.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or 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 infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which rainwater soaks into the soil and underlying rock layers.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that seeps through the ground and is stored in aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and does not get absorbed into the soil, often leading to rivers and streams.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What are aquifers?

Back

Aquifers are underground layers of rock that can hold and transmit groundwater.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants from the soil and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.