Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An underground area filled with water, often found in porous rock.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What does salinity refer to?

Back

The amount of salt in water, indicating how 'salty' the water is.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

The process by which water seeps from the surface into the ground to reach groundwater.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

All of the waters on Earth's surface, including lakes, seas, rivers, and streams.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that is found underground in aquifers and soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water in its gaseous state, often found in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4