The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It's a complex system powered by the sun's energy. The cycle includes processes like evaporation, where water turns into vapor; condensation, where water vapor turns back into liquid; precipitation, where water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail; and collection, where water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans, ready to begin the cycle again.
Understanding the water cycle is key to understanding weather patterns, climate, and the availability of freshwater resources. With this worksheet, we'll explore key terms and concepts related to the water cycle!
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Evaporation | a. Water falling back to earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. |
| 2. Condensation | b. The process of water vapor turning into liquid water. |
| 3. Precipitation | c. The process of liquid water turning into water vapor. |
| 4. Collection | d. Water accumulating in rivers, lakes, and oceans. |
| 5. Transpiration | e. The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves. |
Complete the paragraph using the following words: Sun, clouds, ground, evaporation, precipitation.
The water cycle starts with the ______, which heats up the water on Earth. This causes _______, where liquid water turns into water vapor and rises into the atmosphere. As the water vapor cools, it forms ______. When the clouds become too heavy, ______ occurs, and water falls back to the ______.
Explain in your own words how the water cycle is important for life on Earth.
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