Water Cycle Processes and Definitions

Front

What is Evaporation?

Back

Heat energizes water molecules. They break free from liquid form and rise as invisible gas into the atmosphere.

Front

What is Condensation?

Back

Water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds and fog.

Front

What is Runoff?

Back

Water from precipitation flows over the ground surface and eventually reaches rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is Transpiration?

Back

Plants release water vapor through leaf stomata, cooling plants and their surroundings, contributing significantly to atmospheric moisture.

Front

What is Precipitation?

Back

When droplets become too heavy, they fall as rain. In colder conditions, snow or hail may form instead.

Front

What is the Water Cycle?

Back

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

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat energy necessary for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of clouds in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed during condensation and are essential for precipitation, returning water to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that infiltrates the soil and is stored underground, contributing to the water cycle.