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 again through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air through small openings in their leaves.

Front

How does evaporation occur?

Back

Evaporation occurs when water is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat energy necessary for evaporation, turning liquid water into vapor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What are clouds?

Back

Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens to water vapor when it cools?

Back

When water vapor cools, it condenses into liquid water, which can lead to the formation of clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that seeps into the ground and is stored in underground reservoirs called aquifers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1