The Hydrologic Cycle

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What is the hydrologic cycle?

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The hydrologic cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

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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 from the sun.

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What is condensation?

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

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What is precipitation?

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Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

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What is infiltration?

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Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

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What is a watershed?

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A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common body of water, like a river or lake.

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What is a drought?

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A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

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What is the atmosphere?

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The atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for life, providing oxygen and protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation.

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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.

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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 eventually enters rivers, lakes, and oceans.