The Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is released from plants into the atmosphere.

Front

What is run-off?

Back

Run-off is water that flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after rainfall.

Front

What role does temperature play in the water cycle?

Back

Temperature changes can cause water to change states, such as from liquid to gas (evaporation) or from gas to liquid (condensation).

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere is the combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor.

Front

What is the largest source of fresh water on Earth?

Back

The largest source of fresh water on Earth is glaciers and ice caps.

Front

What is the difference between fresh water and salt water?

Back

Fresh water has a low concentration of salt, while salt water, found in oceans, has a high concentration of salt.