Water Cycle Vocabulary

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 is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface when it cannot soak into the soil, often leading to rivers and lakes.

Front

Why is the ocean important in the water cycle?

Back

The ocean provides most of the water for the water cycle through evaporation.

Front

What happens to water after it falls as precipitation?

Back

After precipitation, water can become groundwater, runoff, or collect in bodies of water.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that has soaked into the ground and is stored in soil and rock layers.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat necessary for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

Front

What is a cloud?

Back

A cloud is a collection of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, formed by condensation.