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 like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What causes precipitation to occur?

Back

Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds become too heavy for the air to hold, causing them to fall to the ground.

Front

What is the main energy source for the water cycle?

Back

The main energy source for the water cycle is the sun, which heats water and causes evaporation.

Front

Define evaporation.

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is the opposite of condensation?

Back

The opposite of condensation is evaporation.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is the first step in the water cycle.