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.

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What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

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What is surface runoff?

Back

Surface runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle by heating water in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

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What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants from the soil and then released as water vapor through their leaves.

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How do clouds form?

Back

Clouds form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.

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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.

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What happens during the condensation process?

Back

During condensation, water vapor cools and changes into liquid water, leading to cloud formation.