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, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water turns into water vapor (a gas) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the sky, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is water that flows over the ground and returns to larger bodies of water, like rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Front

What happens to water vapor before it precipitates?

Back

Water vapor must condense to form droplets before it can fall back to Earth as precipitation.

Front

What is rain?

Back

Rain is a type of precipitation that falls as liquid water.

Front

What is snow?

Back

Snow is a type of precipitation that falls as ice crystals when temperatures are cold.

Front

What is sleet?

Back

Sleet is a type of precipitation that consists of small ice pellets.

Front

What is hail?

Back

Hail is a type of precipitation that falls as balls or irregular lumps of ice.