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

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.

Front

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.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides energy that heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing it to evaporate into the atmosphere.

Front

What is surface water?

Back

Surface water is the water that collects on the surface of the ground, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Front

What percentage of Earth's water is found in oceans?

Back

About 96% of Earth's water is found in oceans.

Front

What are glaciers?

Back

Glaciers are large masses of ice that form from compacted snow and store freshwater, moving slowly over land.

Front

What is groundwater?

Back

Groundwater is water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, filling the spaces between particles.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.