The Water Cycle

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What is the Water Cycle?

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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.

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What is evaporation?

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Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

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What is condensation?

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Condensation is the process by which 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, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

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What is transpiration?

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Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

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What is infiltration?

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Infiltration is the process by which liquid water soaks into the ground, moving from surface water to groundwater.

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What are clouds?

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Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses and comes together in the atmosphere.

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What drives the Water Cycle?

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Solar energy drives the entire Water Cycle by providing the heat necessary for evaporation.

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What is runoff?

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Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and returns to bodies of water.

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What is groundwater?

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Groundwater is water that has infiltrated the ground and is stored in soil and rock layers beneath the Earth's surface.