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.

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What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water turns into vapor or gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is precipitation?

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

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What are clouds?

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Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere, creating visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals.

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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What is transpiration?

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

Front

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.

Front

What happens during the process of evaporation?

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During evaporation, water molecules gain energy from heat and escape into the air as vapor.

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How do clouds form?

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Clouds form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.