Earth's Water Flashcard (5th grade Elevate Science Topic 4)

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

Does the water cycle have a beginning or an end?

Back

No, the water cycle has no beginning or end. The water on Earth has always been here.

Front

What are the four main steps of the water cycle?

Back

The four main steps of the water cycle are condensation, precipitation, runoff, and evaporation.

Front

Name three forms of precipitation.

Back

Rain, snow, and sleet are three forms of precipitation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which a liquid turns into a gas.

Front

What percentage of the Earth is covered by water?

Back

Water covers approximately 75% of the Earth.

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

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 runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain, melting snow, or other sources flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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