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 accumulation in the water cycle?

Back

Accumulation is the collection of water in streams, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is water vapor?

Back

Water vapor is water in its gaseous state, which is invisible and can be found in the air.

Front

What drives the water cycle?

Back

The sun is the main source of energy that drives the water cycle.

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 the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

Name two places where water accumulates in the water cycle.

Back

Water accumulates in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What happens during the process of precipitation?

Back

During precipitation, water droplets in clouds combine and fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

How does the sun affect the water cycle?

Back

The sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing it to evaporate into the atmosphere.