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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is the gaseous state of water, which is invisible and can be found in the air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What factors increase evaporation?

Back

Factors that increase evaporation include higher temperatures, lower humidity, and increased wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur, driving the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5