Hydrological cycle

Evaporation

Molecules of water leaving the liquid state and entering the vapor or gaseous state

condensation

water molecules rejoining to form liquid water or ice

transpiration

the loss of water vapor from the cells within the leaves or plants

precipitation

any form of moisture condensing in the air and depositing on the ground

ground water

water that accumulates, completely filling all the pores above impervious layer

infiltration

process in which water soaks into the soil as opposed to running off the surface

percolation

process of water seeping through cracks and pores in soil and rock

aquifer

an underground layer of porous rock, sand and other material that allows the movement of water between layers of nonporous rock and clay

watershed

the total land area that drains directly and indirectly into a stream or river

water table

upper surface of groundwater

distribution of water on Earth

atmosphere, surface water, ground water

circulation of water on Earth

water leaving the atmosphere