Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process where water vapor (gas) cools and changes back into liquid water, forming droplets.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat necessary for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What happens during the process of transpiration?

Back

Water is absorbed by plants from the soil and then released as vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

Front

What is the significance of the water cycle?

Back

It helps distribute water across the planet, supports ecosystems, and regulates climate.

Front

What is a water cycle model?

Back

A visual representation that demonstrates the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.