Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water, helping to replenish them.

Front

What drives the water cycle?

Back

The sun, which provides the energy needed for evaporation.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor, while condensation is the process of vapor turning back into liquid.

Front

Why is runoff important?

Back

It returns water to other locations on Earth, helping to maintain the water cycle.

Front

What happens during the water cycle?

Back

Water evaporates, condenses into clouds, precipitates, and then runs off back into bodies of water.