Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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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, precipitation, and runoff.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is condensation?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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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 the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What is runoff?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is infiltration?

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Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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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 water vapor into the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

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Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes and rivers, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens during the condensation stage of the water cycle?

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During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, which can lead to cloud formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4