The 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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What is condensation?

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

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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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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water over the ground surface, often after precipitation, that moves into streams, rivers, and oceans.

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What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that has infiltrated the ground and is stored in soil and rock layers beneath the Earth's surface.

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor and enters the atmosphere.

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What is transpiration?

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

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What is respiration in the context of the water cycle?

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Respiration is the process by which animals breathe in oxygen and exhale water vapor, contributing to the water cycle.

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How do clouds form?

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

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What role does gravity play in precipitation?

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Gravity pulls water droplets in clouds down to the Earth, causing precipitation to fall.