Water Cycle Vocabulary

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, usually due to heat from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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 when water runs across Earth's surface because it cannot soak into the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What causes clouds to form?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

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

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens during the process of transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6