The Water Cycle

Front

What is the main energy source in the water cycle?

Back

The sun.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The part of the water cycle when the sun heats up water, turning it from a liquid into water vapor or steam. It rises from the ground into the air.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process by which molecules of water vapor become liquid water.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

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

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun warms the ocean, causing water to evaporate and eventually form clouds.

Front

What is surface runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water after precipitation.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

The process by which water is absorbed by plants and then released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

Front

How does water vapor form clouds?

Back

Water vapor cools and condenses into tiny droplets, which cluster together to form clouds.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What happens during the process of evaporation?

Back

Liquid water is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, rising into the air.