Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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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, precipitation, and runoff.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is evaporation?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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What is condensation?

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Condensation is the change in state of matter from a gas to a liquid, often seen when water vapor cools and forms droplets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is precipitation?

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Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds in the sky.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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What is runoff?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is transpiration?

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

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What is accumulation in the water cycle?

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Accumulation refers to the collection of water in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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How does temperature affect evaporation?

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Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation, as more water molecules gain enough energy to become gas.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6