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.

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What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the sky, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain, melting snow, or other sources flows over the land surface.

Front

What is sublimation?

Back

Sublimation is the process where ice or snow changes directly into water vapor without first melting into water.

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What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor through their leaves.

Front

Why is runoff important?

Back

Runoff is important because it returns water to rivers, lakes, and oceans, helping to maintain the water cycle.

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere, and they are essential for precipitation to occur.

Front

What happens during precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.