The Water Cycle (5.8B)

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, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What happens during evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

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

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water over the ground surface, which occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow cannot be absorbed by the soil.

Front

What is percolation?

Back

Percolation is the process by which water moves downward through the soil and rock layers, replenishing groundwater supplies.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is a key process in the water cycle.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

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

Front

What forms can water take in the water cycle?

Back

Water can exist as liquid (water), solid (ice or snow), and gas (water vapor) in the water cycle.

Front

How do clouds form?

Back

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