Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

All of the waters on Earth's surface, such as lakes, seas, rivers, and streams.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

The process by which water goes from the surface through the ground to the groundwater/water table.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An underground area that has rock that is filled with water.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

The process by which excess water from leaves evaporates.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water found underground in the soil or pores and cracks in rock.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is the water table?

Back

The upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil or rock is fully saturated with water.