The Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

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

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What are the main processes of the water cycle?

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The main processes are evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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What is evaporation?

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

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What is condensation?

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

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What is precipitation?

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

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What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

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The sun provides energy that heats water, causing evaporation.

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is water that flows over the ground and into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Why are oceans important in the water cycle?

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Oceans provide most of the water for the water cycle.

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What happens to water after it precipitates?

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After precipitation, water can either soak into the ground, flow into bodies of water, or evaporate back into the atmosphere.

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What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.

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