The Water Cycle - Key Words

Question 1

The water cycle

Answer 1

A non-stop cycle in which water evaporated from the sea, falls as rain and returns to the sea in rivers

Question 2

Precipitation

Answer 2

Transfer of water from the atmosphere to the ground. It can take the form of snow, rain, hail or dew

Question 3

Evaporation

Answer 3

Transfer of water from a liquid state into a gaseous state (water vapour)

Question 4

Condensation

Answer 4

Transfer of water from a gaseous state to a liquid state (the formation of clouds)

Question 5

Sublimation

Answer 5

Transfer from a solid state (ice) to a gaseous state (water vapour) and vice versa

Question 6

Interception

Answer 6

Water intercepted and stored on the leaves of plants

Question 7

Overland flow

Answer 7

The transfer of water over the land surface

Question 8

Infiltration

Answer 8

Transfer of water from the ground surface into soil where it may it may then percolate into underlying rocks

Question 9

Throughflow

Answer 9

Water flowing through the soil towards a river channel

Question 10

Groundwater flow

Answer 10

Water flowing slowly below the water table through permeable rock.