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What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation in the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, typically due to heat from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is precipitation?

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Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the land and returns to bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is an aquifer?

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An aquifer is a layer of rock or sediment that holds water and can transmit it to wells and springs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What role do oceans play in the water cycle?

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Oceans are the largest reservoir of water on Earth and are crucial for evaporation, which contributes to cloud formation and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation rates?

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Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the significance of the water cycle for ecosystems?

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The water cycle is essential for maintaining ecosystems, as it distributes water necessary for plant growth, animal habitats, and overall environmental health.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4