Water Cycle Study Quizlet

Label the water cycle

Evaporation, Transpiration, Condensation, Precipitation, Runoff, Infiltration

Water Cycle

The continuous process of water moving through Earth's atmosphere, land, and bodies of water, changing from liquid, solid, or gas states powered by the sun's heat energy.

Key stages: evaporation (water turning into vapor)

transpiration (water release from plants)

condensation (vapor forming clouds)

precipitation (water falling to Earth)

runoff (water moving across the ground)

infiltration (water moving into the ground)

infiltration

the process where water soaks into the ground and becomes groundwater

transpiration

the process in which plants give off water vapor through their leaves

evaporation

the process where water transforms into water vapor by absorbing heat energy from the sun

condensation

the process where water vapor in the atmosphere cools down and changes back into a liquid state

precipitation

freshwater returns to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, sleet, snow, or hail

runoff

the flow of water that does not soak into the ground but runs across the land to larger bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.

groundwater

water that is naturally stored underground

aquifer

a rock unit that can transfer water through its pore space

porosity

is the measure of empty spaces, or pores, within a material

permeability

the quality of a material to allow liquids to pass through it

How does sunlight drive the water cycle?

Energy from the Sun causes water in the oceans and other parts of Earth's surface to enter the atmosphere through evaporation.

What role does water vapor play in the water cycle?

Water vapor is created by evaporation and transpiration. As it rises and cools, it changes into a liquid again through condensation and forms clouds. The condensation in clouds can release precipitation returning to the Earth's surface.

What is the difference between runoff and infiltration?

Runoff does not soak into the ground but runs into rivers and lakes. Infiltration soaks into the ground and creates groundwater.