The Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water changes into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor through their leaves.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, usually from rain, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle by turning liquid water into vapor.

Front

What happens during condensation in the water cycle?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, which can lead to cloud formation.

Front

How does precipitation occur?

Back

Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds combine and grow heavy enough to fall to the ground due to gravity.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like lakes, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.