Water Cycle Vocab

Question 1

Condensation

Answer 1

Process where water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds, fog, or dew.

Question 2

Precipitation

Answer 2

Water falls to the Earth’s surface in various forms (rain, snow, sleet, hail).

Question 3

Interception

Answer 3

Precipitation is caught by vegetation, buildings, or other surfaces, reducing the amount reaching the ground.

Question 4

infiltration

Answer 4

Precipitation seeps into the soil, recharging groundwater.

Question 5

surface run-off

Answer 5

Precipitation flows over land into streams, rivers, and lakes.

Question 6

through-flow

Answer 6

Water moves laterally through soil and rock, eventually feeding streams and rivers.

Question 7

ground water flow

Answer 7

Water moves downward through aquifers, feeding wells and springs.

Question 8

transpiration

Answer 8

Plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Question 9

evaporation

Answer 9

Water transforms from liquid to vapor, primarily from oceans, lakes, and rivers.