Water Cycle Words and Definitions

Water cycle

The continuous movement of water between Earth's surface, atmosphere, and subsurface reservoirs.

Transpiration

The release and vaporization of moisture into the atmosphere from plant leaves and aerial tissues.

Precipitation

Condensed atmospheric moisture that falls to Earth's surface under gravity as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Evaporation

The phase change process where liquid water absorbs heat energy and transforms into gaseous vapor.

Condensation

The process in which cooling water vapor changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds or dew.

Sublimation

The direct phase transition of solid ice or snow into gaseous vapor without passing through an intermediate liquid state.