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 processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process in the water cycle where the sun heats up water, turning it from a liquid into water vapor or steam, which then rises into the air.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process in the water cycle where water vapor in the air cools down and turns back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is the part of the water cycle when clouds become heavy and release water in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun is the primary energy source in the water cycle, providing the heat necessary for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is accumulation in the water cycle?

Back

Accumulation refers to the collection of water in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Front

How does water vapor form clouds?

Back

Water vapor rises into the atmosphere, cools down, and condenses into tiny water droplets, which cluster together to form clouds.

Front

What happens during the process of precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and grow larger until they can no longer be held up, falling to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes and oceans, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.