Explanation Text (water Cycle)

The Water Cycle

It's the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Think of it as Earth's way of recycling water!

The total amount of water on Earth has been the same for millions of years.

What is the Water Cycle?

Step 1: Evaporation

The Sun is the engine!

Evaporation is when the sun's heat turns liquid water from oceans, lakes, and rivers into a gas called water vapor, which rises into the air.

Plants also release water vapor in a process called transpiration.

Making clouds.

As the warm water vapor rises, it gets cold. This cold air causes the water vapor to turn back into tiny liquid water droplets. These droplets clump together to form clouds.

Step 2: Condensation

Step 3: Precipitation

The water returns!

When the clouds get too full of water droplets, they release the water back to Earth in the form of precipitation.

This can be:

• Rain

• Snow

• Sleet

• Hail

Step 4: Collection

Once the water falls back to Earth, it collects in various places. This is called collection or accumulation.

Water gathers in:

• Oceans

• Lakes

• Rivers

• Underground (groundwater)

A Never-Ending Cycle

From collection, the sun's heat starts the process of evaporation all over again. The water cycle has no starting or ending point—it's a continuous journey that sustains all life on our planet.

Why is the Water Cycle Important?

• It provides fresh water for all living things to drink.

• It waters plants, helping agriculture and forests grow.

• It shapes our landscapes and weather patterns.

• It helps regulate the Earth's temperature.

Thank You!

QUESTIONS

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a step in the water cycle?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Photosynthesis

• Collection

Open Ended

How does the water cycle help support life on Earth?