Water Cycle in Nature

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What is the water cycle?

The water cycle is the process by which water moves from the land to the sky and back again.

Name the stages of the water cycle.

The main stages are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

What happens during evaporation?

In evaporation, water turns into vapor and rises into the air.

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Condensation is when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Where does the water collect in the water cycle?

Water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, and the ground.

How does the sun affect the water cycle?

The sun heats water in rivers, lakes, or oceans, causing it to evaporate.

What is infiltration?

Infiltration is the process of water soaking into the soil from the ground surface.

What role do plants have in the water cycle?

Plants contribute through transpiration, where they release water vapor from their leaves.

How do clouds form in the water cycle?

Clouds form when water vapor cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Evaporation is the process where water turns into vapor from surfaces, while transpiration is specifically from plants.

How does precipitation return to the oceans?

Precipitation returns to the oceans through runoff, rivers, and streams.

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet like a river or bay.

What type of energy drives the water cycle?

The water cycle is driven by solar energy from the sun.

Why is the water cycle important for the environment?

The water cycle distributes water, helps regulate climate, and supports plant and animal life.