The Water Cycle Vocabulary (F&C)

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 like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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 is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the land and into bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An aquifer is an underground layer of rock and soil that is saturated with water, serving as a natural water storage.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is found underground in aquifers and soil, and it is a crucial source of drinking water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

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

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4