Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The movement of water on, above, or below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor).

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process during which water cools and turns from a gas to a liquid.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

The step of the water cycle that occurs when clouds become too heavy and release water in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The sun provides energy for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

Front

What are the three forms of water?

Back

Solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor).

Front

What happens during evaporation?

Back

Water molecules gain energy and change from liquid to gas.

Front

What happens during condensation?

Back

Water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.