Water Cycle

Front

What is the main source of energy that drives the water cycle?

Back

The sun is the main source of energy that evaporates water from Earth's surface.

Front

What are the main stages of the water cycle?

Back

The main stages of the water cycle include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What happens during the evaporation stage of the water cycle?

Back

During evaporation, water changes from a liquid to a gas due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

Condensation is the process where 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 clouds to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is runoff in the water cycle?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What does it mean for the ground to be unsaturated?

Back

Unsaturated ground means that the soil has space to absorb more water.

Front

What is the water table?

Back

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil or rock is fully saturated with water.

Front

What factors can cause the water table to lower?

Back

High rates of evaporation and transpiration can cause the water table to lower.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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