5.8B Sun and the Water Cycle

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.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the part of the water cycle when the sun heats up water, turning it from a liquid into water vapor or steam, which then rises into the air.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the part of the water cycle when water vapor in the air cools down and turns back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is the part of the water cycle when clouds get heavy and can no longer hold the liquid water, causing it to fall to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

How does the sun affect evaporation?

Back

The sun provides heat that warms the water, increasing the rate of evaporation as water turns into vapor.

Front

What is the role of the ocean in the water cycle?

Back

The ocean acts as a major source of water for evaporation, contributing to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Front

What are cumulonimbus clouds?

Back

Cumulonimbus clouds are large, towering clouds associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation, formed from rising warm, moist air.

Front

What is the process of water vapor condensing?

Back

Water vapor condensing is when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, leading to cloud formation.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and condensation?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor, while condensation is the process of vapor turning back into liquid water.

Front

What is accumulation in the water cycle?

Back

Accumulation is the process where water collects in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.