The Water Cycle

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water that falls from clouds to Earth’s surface.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that moves through soil or rock underground.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Liquid water that runs downhill on Earth’s surface.

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 the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

The process by which water enters the soil from the surface.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the change of liquid water to vapor, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.