Water Cycle

The water cycle describes how water evaporates from the surface of the earth, rises into the atmosphere, cools and condenses into rain or snow in clouds, and falls again to the surface as precipitation.

The water cycle can start at any stage and we will learn about the 4 stages of the water cycle

It helps us predict the weather

Helps us learn more about the earth and its climate

Evaporation

Evaporation: the process of turning from liquid into vapor.

Ex: Sun heats water ( Oceans, Lakes, Streams, etc. ) and the water turns into water vapor

Study question- what do you think water vapor is? ( it leads to the 2nd stage of the water cycle )

Condensation

Water which collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it.

Ex: Water droplets form outside your water glass or cup

Precipitation

A deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow also : the quantity of water deposited.

Ex: Rain, Snow, etc.

Runoff

The draining away of water (or substances carried in it) from the surface of an area of land, a building or structure, etc.

Ex: it rained and the water is moving into the ocean