cycle vocab

Question 1

Water cycle

Answer 1

The water cycle shows the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It is a complex system that includes many different processes. Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow.

Question 2

Evaporation

Answer 2

the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Question 3

Transpiration

Answer 3

the evaporation of water through minute pores, or stomata, in the leaves of plants.

Question 4

Infiltration

Answer 4

The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Question 5

Run-off

Answer 5

water “running off”, which means flowing along the land surface, from a high to a low point.

Question 6

Precipitation

Answer 6

water released from clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, or hail.

Question 7

Condensation

Answer 7

the process by which water vapor (gas) in the air is changed into liquid water. Condensation is crucial to the water cycle because it is responsible for the formation of clouds.

Question 8

Groundwater

Answer 8

Water that infiltrates or seeps into the ground. Sometimes this water can flow out of the water, like a spring. Sometimes, this water can seep from the ground into a lake, pond, or ocean.

Question 9

Aquifer

Answer 9

Water deep underground can be stored for 1,000 years. It can be found in water-bearing, permeable rock.