Water Cycle Vocabulary

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 evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where liquid water changes into water vapor (gas) due to heat.

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

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.

Front

Why is the ocean important in the water cycle?

Back

The ocean provides most of the water for the water cycle.

Front

What happens to water in a bowl left outside for days?

Back

The water level in the bowl decreases because of evaporation.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role do plants play in the water cycle?

Back

Plants absorb water from the soil and release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.