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.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor (gas) cools and changes back into liquid water, forming droplets.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

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

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur, heating up water in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Front

What happens to water after it evaporates?

Back

After water evaporates, it rises into the atmosphere, cools down, and can condense to form clouds.

Front

How does precipitation affect the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation returns water from the atmosphere back to the Earth's surface, replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning from liquid to gas, while condensation is the process of water vapor turning back into liquid.

Front

Why do ocean water levels stay the same despite evaporation?

Back

Ocean water levels remain stable because the water that evaporates is balanced by precipitation and runoff.