In a few words, how would you describe the water cycle?
Water evaporates from bodies of water and enters the atmosphere as water vapor. Water vapor condenses and forms clouds, which can travel and eventually precipitate in the form of rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The water then flows into rivers and lakes, or soaks into the ground to be used by plants and animals.
The Water Cycle
Evaporation: The process of liquid water turning into vapor and rising into the atmosphere. Transpiration: The process of water vapor leaving plants and entering the atmosphere. Condensation: The process of water vapor in the atmosphere turning back into liquid form and forming clouds.
Concepts:
A single drop of water can take up to 10 years to go from evaporation to precipitation. The water cycle is powered by energy from the sun. The water cycle is a global cycle that affects all weather patterns on Earth.
Did you know?
How does the water cycle contribute to the conservation and recycling of Earth's water resources?