Water Cycle Stages
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is when water turns into vapor and rises into the air.
How does the Sun help water go up into the air?
The Sun heats up water in rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing it to evaporate.
Where can you find water on Earth?
Water is found in lakes, rivers, oceans, and even underground.
Why is the water cycle important for plants?
The water cycle brings rain, which gives plants the water they need to grow.
What is the largest ocean?
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
What is condensation?
Condensation is when water vapor cools down and turns back into liquid, forming clouds.
What happens to water vapor when it cools down?
When water vapor cools, it turns into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.
Is snow a part of the water cycle?
Yes, snow is part of the water cycle; it is just frozen precipitation.
How do animals depend on the water cycle?
Animals need water to drink, and the water cycle helps ensure fresh water is always available.
Can water ever run out?
No, Earth recycles water over and over through the water cycle, but it's important to keep it clean.
What is precipitation?
Precipitation is when water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Why does it rain or snow from clouds?
The Sun's heat causes water to evaporate, form clouds, and eventually fall as rain or snow when the clouds get too heavy.
Are glaciers part of the water cycle?
Yes, glaciers store water and slowly release it back into the water cycle as they melt.
How does the water cycle affect weather?
The water cycle helps regulate the Earth’s temperature and creates different weather patterns.
What is the smallest ocean?
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is water that soaks into the soil and is stored underground in aquifers.
How does the Sun influence water in the ground?
The Sun causes groundwater to evaporate when it heats the ground, contributing to the water cycle.
How much of Earth is covered by water?
About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, mostly oceans.
What would happen if the water cycle stopped?
If the water cycle stopped, there would be no rain, leading to droughts and affecting all life on Earth.
What is a water vapor?
Water vapor is water in its gaseous form, invisible in the air around us.
What role do plants play in the water cycle?
Plants release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration, which is part of the water cycle.
How does the Sun's energy drive the water cycle globally?
The Sun's energy causes evaporation on a global scale, moving water from the surface to the atmosphere, driving weather patterns worldwide.
What are aquifers?
Aquifers are underground layers of rock that hold groundwater.
Why do we need to conserve water if it's always recycled?
We need to conserve water because even though it's recycled, it can be scarce in places and times of drought, and pollution can make it unusable.
How old is the water on Earth?
The water on Earth is about 4 billion years old and has been recycled many times through the water cycle.