Water Cycle Cheat Sheet

Evaporation

The process where liquid water changes into water vapor (a gas). Heat from the sun provides the energy for evaporation.

Example: Water evaporating from a puddle on a sunny day.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water. This often happens in the atmosphere, forming clouds.

Example: Water droplets forming on the outside of a cold glass.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Example: Rain falling from a dark cloud.

Transpiration

The process where plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

Example: Water evaporating from the leaves of a tree.

Infiltration

The process where water soaks into the ground.

Example: Rainwater seeping into the soil.

Runoff

Water that flows over the land surface and into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Example: Rainwater flowing down a street into a storm drain.

Liquid

Water in its liquid state, like rain, rivers, and oceans.

Example: Water in a glass.

Solid

Water in its solid state, like ice, snow, and hail.

Example: An ice cube.

Gas

Water in its gaseous state, also known as water vapor. It is invisible.

Example: Steam rising from a hot cup of tea.

Energy Source

The sun provides the energy that drives the water cycle. It powers evaporation and transpiration.

Example: The sun heating a puddle, causing it to evaporate.

Uneven Heating

The sun heats the Earth unevenly, which causes different rates of evaporation and precipitation in different regions.

Example: Deserts have high evaporation rates, while rainforests have high precipitation rates.