The Water Cycle

Front

Water Cycle Noun

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[waw-ter sy-kuhl]

Back

Water Cycle

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The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth through various physical processes.

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Example: The image shows how water moves through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration in the water cycle.

Front

Evaporation Noun

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[i-vap-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Evaporation

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The process by which a liquid, such as water, changes into a gas or vapor, typically driven by thermal energy.

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Example: Arrows show water vapor rising from a pond, illustrating evaporation.

Front

Condensation Noun

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[kon-den-sey-shuhn]

Back

Condensation

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The process by which a gas, such as water vapor, changes into a liquid as it cools and loses energy.

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Example: Warm moist air hits a cold surface, turning into liquid, illustrating condensation.

Front

Precipitation Noun

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[pri-sip-i-tey-shuhn]

Back

Precipitation

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Any form of moisture that falls from clouds to Earth's surface under the pull of gravity, including rain or snow.

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Example: Water droplets in clouds grow and fall as rain, showing precipitation in the water cycle.

Front

Transpiration Noun

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[tran-spuh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Transpiration

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The process by which plants absorb water through the roots and then release water vapor through pores in their leaves.

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Example: Water absorbed by roots moves up the plant and exits as vapor through leaves.

Front

Crystallization Noun

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[kris-tuh-luh-zey-shuhn]

Back

Crystallization

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The process by which a substance changes from a liquid to a solid with a highly ordered, crystalline structure.

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Example: The image shows how a liquid solution is heated and then cools to form solid crystals.

Front

Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muhs-feer]

Back

Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet, held in place by gravity.

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Example: The image shows Earth's atmosphere layers, including the troposphere and stratosphere, with altitude and temperature ranges.

Front

Biosphere Noun

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[bahy-oh-sfeer]

Back

Biosphere

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The regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere of the earth that are occupied by living organisms.

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Example: The image shows how the biosphere includes parts of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere where life exists.

Front

Geosphere Noun

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[jee-oh-sfeer]

Back

Geosphere

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The solid parts of the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and landforms from the crust to the core.

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Example: The image shows Earth's layers, including crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core, illustrating the geosphere.

Front

Hydrosphere Noun

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[hahy-droh-sfeer]

Back

Hydrosphere

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All the waters on the earth's surface, such as lakes and seas, including water over and under the surface.

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Example: The image shows how water moves through the hydrosphere, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.