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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface when it cannot soak into the soil, often leading to rivers and lakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, often accessed through wells.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat necessary for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens during the condensation stage of the water cycle?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets, which gather to create clouds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does precipitation affect the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation returns water to the Earth's surface, replenishing rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4