Did you know...

The water we drink today has been around for thousands of years, since the Earth was created. It is constantly cycled in different forms.

The heat from the sun drives the water cycle.
Without the sun, we wouldn't have the movement of water!

The Sun

Of course we must start with a water source.
The ocean is the main source of water for the water cycle

Water

Basics

Step 1: Evaporation

Evaporation occurs when water changes from a liquid to a gas.

This is how we get water vapor, it is a gas of water in the atmosphere that surrounds us and is part of air composition.

Step 2: Condensation

When a lot of water vapor bunches together, it condenses to form clouds.

Condensation means that the gas is forming back into a liquid.

This process is condensation: water vapor condenses to form clouds

There are different types of clouds that bring different types of weather. We will learn about those types of clouds soon.

Crock pot demo

As the water in the bottom of the crock pot heats up, it causes the water to evaporate and turn to solid/liquid/gas. ​

When a lot of water vapor condenses and forms clouds, over time the clouds will become heavy and the liquid will return back to Earth as precipitation.

Precipitation is when water falls to Earth as rain, snow, sleet or hail.

Step 3: Precipitation

More Precipitation

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, frozen water will stick to the ground.

Hail forms in cumulonimbus clouds and can be large pellets

Step 4: Runoff

When precipitation falls back to earth, it flows across the surface of Earth. This process is known as runoff.

Runoff will typically come from higher surfaces and trickle down to bodies of water such as rivers, streams, etc. Eventually, runoff will make its way back to the ocean. The ocean is Earth’s largest reservoir (stores) of water.

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