The Water Cycle

Flashcards about the water cycle

Biogeochemical Cycle

The cycling of nutrients involving the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.

Three States of Water

Solid, Liquid, and Gas

Water Cycle

The movement of water into the air as water vapor and back to Earth's surface as precipitation.

Ice Forms

Occurs when liquid water hits the freezing point of 32°F or 0°C.

Water Vapor Forms

Occurs when heat is added to water to a temperature of 212°F or 100°C.

Evaporation

The change of state from a liquid to a gas (water vapor).

Evaporation Occurs

Occurs when heat is added to a liquid.

Condensation

When gas changes to a liquid.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from clouds to Earth.

Forms of Precipitation

Rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Rain

Most common form of precipitation; when drops of water fall through air that is above freezing.

Snow

Falls when the temperature in a cloud is below freezing; water vapor forms ice crystals called snowflakes.

Sleet

Rain that freezes as it falls to Earth.

Hail

Forms when drops of rain freeze and strong winds carry them higher into a cloud.

Collection

Occurs when the precipitation falls to Earth and collects in lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams.

Infiltration

When precipitation occurs, some water soaks into the Earth.

Runoff

Some precipitation flows downhill on Earth's surface.

The Water Cycle

Allows water to be recycled over and over again.