Understanding the Water Cycle

Front

Evaporation

Back

Process where water turns into vapor

Front

Condensation

Back

Vapor turns into liquid, forming clouds

Front

Precipitation

Back

Water falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail

Front

Collection

Back

Water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans

Front

Transpiration

Back

Water vapor released from plants

Front

Infiltration

Back

Water soaks into the ground

Front

Water Cycle Diagram

Back

Shows movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection

Front

Groundwater

Back

Water stored beneath Earth's surface

Front

Runoff

Back

Water flows over land into bodies of water

Front

Sublimation

Back

Ice or snow changes directly into vapor