Theme 3, Unit 2 - The Water Cycle

The water cycle

The water cycle is a continuous cycle or
flow of water through different stages.
During the process of the water cycle,
water changes into the three states
between the earth and the atmosphere.
This water cycle repeats itself again and
again.

The Water Cycle

Evaporation is a process in which liquid
water changes into water vapour.
Water vapour is also given off by plants
and animals. The heat from the Sun
causes water to evaporate.

Evaporation

As water vapour rises,
it loses heat to the cooler
surrounding air and condenses into
clouds in the atmosphere.

Condensation

After condensation, water particles
come together. When water vapour
collects sufficient water and
becomes large droplets, it falls back
to the Earth as precipitation.

Precipitation

Some examples of precipitation:

Rain

Snow

Hail

Sleet

The rain that falls to Earth travels
through rivers, streams and underground.
It fills lakes, sea and oceans.

Deposition /
Collection

evaporation

precipitation

collection

condensation

Importance of water

Water is very important to
people and plays a large role
in our everyday lives:

We drink fresh water to keep
our bodies healthy.

Water is used in water sports, washing and cooking.

Water as means of transportation

Water is needed by plants and animals to survive