Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

Evaporation

Back

The change of water from a liquid state to a gas state, due to an increase in temperature.

Front

Precipitation

Back

Water that falls from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

Ground Water

Back

Water held underground in soil or rock.

Front

Sun

Back

Thermal energy that drives the water cycle.

Front

Surface Water

Back

Water found above ground, on land.

Front

Condensation

Back

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Front

Transpiration

Back

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

Front

Runoff

Back

Excess water, not absorbed by the soil, that flows downhill.

Front

Water Cycle

Back

The path water takes, and the changes it goes through, as it cycles through the environment.

Front

Humidity

Back

The amount of water vapor present in the air.