Water Cycle
This step is when water gathers into lakes, ponds, or oceans.
collection
These puffy white clouds look like cotton balls.
cumulus
This precipitation consists of tiny droplets that make the air feel wet—smaller than drizzle
mist
Water that flows downhill into streams and rivers.
runoff
This step of the water cycle includes rain, snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, drizzle, or mist.
precipitation
This process turns liquid water into water vapor.
Evaporation
These clouds form a blanket across the sky and can bring light rain.
Stratus
Small droplets bigger than mist but smaller than rain.
drizzle
Water droplets become too heavy and fall from clouds.
precipitation
This step happens because of the sun’s heat, causing water to rise.
Evaporation
Plants release water in this step of the cycle.
Transpiration
These tall, towering clouds often produce thunderstorms.
cumulonimbus
Forms when water droplets freeze directly into ice crystals.
snow
Clouds that form at ground level and reduce visibility.
Clouds made of ice crystals and found at the highest levels.
cirrus
This occurs when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid, forming clouds.
Condensation
These wispy, curly, hair-looking clouds form highest in the sky.
cirrus
Forms when raindrops freeze before hitting the ground.
sleet
Chunks of ice rotate in clouds because of strong updrafts.
hail
This type of precipitation forms inside thunderstorm clouds as it circles with updrafts.
hail
This is the continuous movement of water on Earth.
water cycle
These mid-level clouds look like small groups that resemble polka dots or fish scales.
altocumulus
This occurs when raindrops freeze on the ground after landing
freezing rain
Mid-level clouds that form a gray layer across the sky.
altostratus
Mid-level clouds that appear patchy or “fish-scale-like.”
altocumulus