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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming droplets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves into the atmosphere.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melting snow, that moves over the ground and does not get absorbed into the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How does the sun affect surface water?

Back

The sun causes surface water to evaporate, turning it into water vapor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What happens to water vapor when it cools?

Back

When water vapor cools, it condenses into liquid water droplets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What causes precipitation to occur?

Back

Precipitation occurs when water droplets in clouds become too heavy for the air to hold and fall to the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the role of plants in the water cycle?

Back

Plants contribute to the water cycle through transpiration, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4