Water Cycle

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The envelope of gases that surrounds Earth.

Front

Where is groundwater stored?

Back

In cracks and pores beneath Earth's surface.

Front

What happens when water vapor loses thermal energy?

Back

It condenses into millions of droplets that form clouds.

Front

What does evaporation add water to?

Back

The atmosphere.

Front

What are clouds made of?

Back

Water droplets or ice crystals that are so small they remain suspended in the air.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Back

Plants absorb water from the soil and release water vapor into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration.