Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is rain, snow melt, or other water that flows in surface streams, rivers, or canals.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process in which liquid water becomes water vapor (a gas).

Front

What is accumulation?

Back

Accumulation is the process in which water pools in large bodies like oceans, seas, and lakes.

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.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur, driving the water cycle.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

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 happens during precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in forms like rain, snow, sleet, or hail.