The 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, involving stages like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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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 the movement of water, usually from rain, that flows over the ground and returns to oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, which can eventually return to the surface.

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What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves.

Front

What happens during the cooling of warm, moist air?

Back

When warm, moist air cools, it condenses to form clouds, which can lead to precipitation.

Front

What must happen for clouds to form?

Back

Water vapor must lose heat energy to condense into liquid water and form clouds.