Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

Condensation

Back

The process by which water changes from a gas to a liquid state.

Front

Hydrologic (Water) Cycle

Back

The path water takes, and the changes it goes through, as it cycles through the environment.

Front

Sun

Back

Thermal energy that drives the water cycle.

Front

Surface Water

Back

Water found above ground, on land.

Front

Evaporation

Back

The change of water from a liquid state to a gas state, due to an increase in temperature.

Front

Precipitation

Back

Water that falls from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

Transpiration

Back

The process where plants absorb water through the roots and then give off water vapor through pores in their leaves.

Front

Groundwater

Back

Water held underground in soil or rock.

Front

Runoff

Back

Excess water, not absorbed by the soil, that flows downhill.

Front

Water Vapor

Back

The gaseous state of water.