Water Cycle

In this page will be learning about the parts of the water cycle and how water is important in our everyday lives.

Water Cycle

The water cycle is the constant movement of water from Earth to the atmosphere and back again.

Evaporation

Evaporation occurs when the energy from the sun changes liquid water into water vapor. The water is now a gas and becomes part of the air around us.

Transpiration 

Transpiration occurs when water enters plants through the roots, moves up into the plants, and then exits by evaporating from the leaves.

Condensation occurs when water vapor travels as a gas until it meets cooler air. The vapor changes back into water in a process called condensation. If the air is very cold, snow or ice may form. This usually happens in areas we call clouds.

Precipitation

Precipitation occurs when the force of gravity pulls the water droplets or ice crystals down to the Earth's surface. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail are all forms of precipitation.

Runoff

Runoff occurs when water moves along the top of the ground. Water from melting snow or glaciers is another source of runoff.

Infiltration

Infiltration occurs when rain hits the Earth's surface and sinks into the ground.