Water Cycle Concepts and Processes

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What is the water cycle?

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The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What percentage of Earth's water is salt water?

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97.5% of Earth's water is salt water.

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What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?

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71% of Earth's surface is covered by water.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is precipitation?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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What role does temperature play in precipitation?

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Temperature affects the form of precipitation; warmer temperatures can lead to rain, while colder temperatures can result in snow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor, usually due to heat.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is condensation?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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What is the significance of the water cycle?

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The water cycle is essential for maintaining ecosystems, regulating climate, and providing fresh water for all living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4