Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the Earth and its atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is fresh water?

Back

Fresh water is water that does not contain salt, found in lakes, rivers, and streams.

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is water in its gaseous state, found in the air (atmosphere).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What happens during condensation?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming dew or clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water is heated and changes from liquid to gas (water vapor), often occurring in oceans and lakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, helping to drive the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the geosphere?

Back

The geosphere is the solid part of the Earth, including rocks, soil, and landforms.