The 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 runoff.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water turns into water vapor (gas) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

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

Front

What forms can precipitation take?

Back

Precipitation can take several forms, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What happens during the process of evaporation?

Back

During evaporation, water absorbs heat and changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor).

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed during condensation and are essential for precipitation, as they hold water vapor that eventually falls as rain or snow.

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

Front

What is the difference between rain and snow?

Back

Rain is liquid precipitation that falls when temperatures are warm, while snow is solid precipitation that falls when temperatures are cold.