The Water Cycle

Question 1

Evaporation

Answer 1

Energy from the sun causes sea water and fresh water to evaporate. This changes it from a liquid to a gas (water vapour) in the atmosphere.

Question 2

Condensation

Answer 2

The water vapour is so light that it rises into the atmosphere. As it rieses, it cools and condenses into tiny water droplets to form clouds.

Question 3

Precipitation

Answer 3

The droplets join up and become heavier. Eventually the water falls and returns to Earth (precipitates) in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail.

Question 4

Run-off

Answer 4

Some precipitation evaporates immediately. More of it soaks into the ground. The rest of water finds its way back to the sea by rivers and streams. This is known as surface run-off.

Question 5

Underground water

Answer 5

The bulk of water soaks into the ground, where it is held in the soil or in pores (tiny holes) in the rocks. From there it can return to the sea or people can drill wells for a water supply.

Question 6

Water is a … resource

Answer 6

Renewable

Question 7

.% of water on earth is fresh water, the rest is salt water

Answer 7

3%