The Water Cycle Vocabulary (F&C)

Front

What is radiant energy?

Back

Energy from the sun that reaches Earth as visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared (heat) radiation.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Water that collects in cracks and pores in underground soil and rock layers through the process of percolation.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The layer of gas surrounding a planet that is held in place by gravity.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

The total kinetic (motion) energy of the tiny particles that make up matter; the faster the particles move, the warmer the matter becomes.

Front

What is an aquifer?

Back

An underground area of rock and soil that is soaked with water.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

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