Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What process occurs when clouds form?

Back

The process that occurs when clouds form is called condensation.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water between Earth and the atmosphere.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process of water evaporation from the leaves and stems of plants into the atmosphere.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

Front

What is accumulation in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves across the ground and into bodies of water.

Front

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Back

Plants contribute to the water cycle through transpiration, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

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