Water Cycle Diagram

Question 1

What is Evaporation?

Answer 1

Evaporation 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

What is condensation?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is Precipitation?

Answer 3

Precipitation 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

What is the Run-Off?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is Underground water?

Answer 5

Underground water The bulk of the 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.