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, and precipitation.

Front

What does transpiration mean?

Back

The evaporation of water from plants.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process by which liquid water changes to water vapor.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which water vapor in the air cools and becomes liquid water.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water that falls from clouds to Earth’s surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

The movement of water into the ground.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that is stored underground in soil or rock layers.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes and rivers, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.