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Water Cycle Notes
Water Cycle: the continuous process in
which water moves from the Earth's surface
to the atmosphere and back.
Radiation: (thermal energy) from the sun
drives the Water Cycle.
-drives means to "cause" or "push" to
"make happen" to continue to occur
Evaporation: Radiation from the sun heats
the water (liquid) and turns it into water
vapor (gas)
Condensation: The water vapor (gas) rises
into the atmosphere and cools down. As it
cools, water vapor (gas) turns into tiny
drops of water (liquid). Drops join together
and form clouds.
Precipitation: Clouds get filled up with tiny
droplets of water (liquid). When they are too
full, water (liquid) will fall to the Earth as
rain, snow, sleet, hail, or ice.
Run-Off: Water (liquid) that falls on the
Earth moves to rivers, lakes, streams, or
the ocean. Some water is absorbed into the
ground and becomes ground water. Water
is stored underground.
Transpiration: plants give off water through
leaves. The water from the leaves
evaporates and rises into the atmosphere.