Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, changing states between liquid, vapor, and ice.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and forms droplets, leading to cloud formation.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the ground.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water after precipitation.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What happens after evaporation in the water cycle?

Back

After evaporation, water vapor rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the part of the Earth that is made up of water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor.