The Water Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards covering key processes and storage components of the water cycle as identified by the USGS.

Sublimation

The process by which water changes directly from solid ice and snow to water vapor in the atmosphere without becoming liquid.

Precipitation

Water that falls to the Earth's surface from the atmosphere in forms such as rain, snow, or sleet.

Snowmelt runoff

The flow of water resulting from melting snow that moves over the land surface into streams.

Streamflow

The movement of water within a natural channel, such as a river or stream.

Infiltration

The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil and moves into the subsurface.

Spring

A point where ground-water flows out of the Earth's surface naturally.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor in the atmosphere is transformed into liquid water droplets, forming clouds.

Evapotranspiration

The combined process of water evaporating from the land surface and being released from plants through transpiration.

Evaporation

The process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor and enters the atmosphere.

Surface runoff

Precipitation that does not infiltrate the ground but instead flows over the land surface into bodies of water.

Freshwater storage

Water held in liquid form on the Earth's surface in reservoirs such as lakes and rivers.

Ground-water discharge

The movement of water out of the ground-water storage into other bodies of water like streams or oceans.

Ground-water storage

Water that is held beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock formations.

Water storage in ice and snow

The accumulation of freshwater stored in solid form on the Earth's surface.

Water storage in the atmosphere

Water held in the air as vapor, clouds, or humidity.

Water storage in oceans

The largest reservoir of water on Earth, containing saline water.