Water Cycle Vocabulary Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to the water cycle and its associated processes.

Evaporation

The process of water turning into vapor due to heat.

Condensation

Vapor cooling and turning into liquid droplets.

Precipitation

Water released from clouds as rain, snow, etc.

Transpiration

Release of water vapor by plants.

Accumulation

Water gathering in oceans and lakes.

Runoff

Water flowing over the land’s surface.

Infiltration

Water soaking into the soil.

Groundwater

Water stored beneath the earth.

Percolation

Slow downward movement of water through soil.

Solar radiation

Heat energy from the sun.

Water vapor

Water in gas form.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Cloud formation

Development of clouds from condensed vapor.

Water cycle

Continuous movement of water on Earth.

Continuous cycle

A repeating, uninterrupted sequence.

Reservoir

A natural or artificial water storage area.

Saturation

The point at which something cannot absorb more water.

Water table

The upper level of groundwater.

Channel

A groove where water flows.

Downward flow

Water moving from higher to lower ground.

Upward movement

Water rising toward the atmosphere.

Moisture

Slight wetness in the air.

Humidity

Amount of moisture in the air.

Accumulate

To gather or collect.

Discharge

Release or outflow of water.

Conversion

Change from one form to another.

Formation

The creation of something.

Distribution

The spreading of water across areas.

Return flow

Water moving back to the ocean.

Circulation

Movement in a circle or loop.

Collection point

Final location where water gathers.

Natural process

A sequence of events occurring in nature.

Cycle stage

A specific step within a cycle.

Release

To let something go or move out.

Flow path

The route water takes.

Escalate

To increase or intensify.

Trigger

To cause something to happen.

Initiate

To begin a process.

Contribute

To play a part in producing something.

Ultimately

In the end; finally.