Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The movement of water on, above, or below the surface of the Earth.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, often due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

The process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves.

Front

What happens during evaporation?

Back

Water is heated and turns into vapor, rising into the atmosphere.

Front

What happens during condensation?

Back

Water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, creating clouds.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation to occur.

Front

How do clouds form?

Back

Clouds form when water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.