The Water Cycle

Front

What is the process of water collecting in rivers, lakes, streams, oceans, and other bodies of water?

Back

Accumulation

Front

How long has the water on Earth today been around?

Back

The same water that's been around for billions of years.

Front

In which part of the water cycle does liquid water change into water vapor?

Back

Evaporation

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Front

In which part of the water cycle does water return to Earth from the atmosphere?

Back

Precipitation

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process of liquid water turning into water vapor due to heat.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.