The Water Cycle Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, processes, examples, and energy sources within the water cycle.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface

Runoff

Water that flows over the ground surface rather than soaking into the ground

Collection

Process during which streams and rivers carry water back to the oceans

Evaporation

The change of state from a liquid to a gas

Transpiration

When water enters the atmosphere through plant leaves

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid

The main energy source for the water cycle

The Sun

The Water Cycle

The movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth

Plant Uptake

Water from the soil is taken by the roots of plants and used to make the plant grow

Infiltration

The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil

Precipitation (examples)

Rain, snow, sleet, hail

Condensation (examples)

Dew on grass, foggy mirror, clouds