Understanding the Water Cycle

Front

Water cycle

Back

movement of water on, above, and below Earth’s surface

Front

Evaporation

Back

water changes to water vapor

Front

Condensation

Back

vapor cools and forms clouds

Front

Precipitation

Back

falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail

Front

Collection

Back

gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans

Front

Sun’s role

Back

energy for evaporation

Front

Transpiration

Back

release water vapor into air

Front

Infiltration

Back

soaks into the ground

Front

Runoff

Back

flows over land to bodies of water

Front

Groundwater

Back

stored underground