The 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 process occurs when the sun warms water?

Back

Evaporation.

Front

What are the two processes that help replace a lake after water flows through a dam?

Back

Precipitation and runoff.

Front

What happens to a puddle of water on a sunny day?

Back

The puddle disappears due to evaporation.

Front

How are evaporation and condensation similar?

Back

Both are caused by changes in heat energy.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water is heated and changes into water vapor.

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 runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, usually from rain, that moves across the land and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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