Water cycle

• What is the water cycle also known as?


  The hydrologic cycle
• What does the water cycle involve?


  The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere
• What are the main processes of the water cycle?

  • Evaporation
  • Condensation
  • Precipitation
  • Collection
• Why is the water cycle crucial for the Earth?


  It distributes water around the globe and maintains Earth's ecosystems
• What is sedimentation in the context of water treatment?


  Large particles settle at the bottom of tanks
• What is filtration in the water treatment cycle?


  Water passes through filters to remove smaller particles
• What is chlorination?


  Chlorine is added to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms
• What are the key processes involved in the water cycle?

  1. Evaporation
  2. Transpiration
  3. Condensation
  4. Precipitation
  5. Infiltration
  6. Runoff
  7. Storage
• What is transpiration in the water cycle?


  Plants release water vapor into the air
• What happens during condensation?


  Water vapor cools and forms clouds or dew
• What is precipitation?

  Water falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
• What is infiltration in the water cycle?


  Water soaks into the ground, becoming groundwater
• What is runoff?


  Water flows over land into rivers, lakes, and oceans
• What is the importance of the water cycle?


  It distributes water globally, maintains ecosystems, regulates temperature, and shapes landscapes
• How does temperature affect evaporation?


  Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates
• What is the role of humidity in evaporation?


  Lower humidity allows for more evaporation
• What is sublimation?


  Ice or snow changing directly into water vapor
• What is the significance of condensation nuclei?


  They are tiny particles that water vapor condenses around to form droplets
• What types of precipitation can occur?


  Rain, snow, sleet, and hail
• What factors affect precipitation?


  Temperature, humidity, air pressure, and topography
• What is the importance of precipitation?


  It provides fresh water for ecosystems and human use
• What happens when water droplets in clouds become too heavy?


  They fall to the ground as precipitation
• What is the definition of sleet?


  A mixture of rain and snow
• What are the processes of collection and runoff in the water cycle?

  • **Collection**: Water gathers in oceans, lakes, and rivers after precipitation.
  • **Runoff**: Water flows over land into bodies of water, contributing to the water cycle.
• What happens to precipitation that starts as snow when it falls through a warmer layer of air?


  It partially melts, resulting in sleet
• What are the key processes involved in collection and runoff in the water cycle?

  • **Collection**: Accumulation of water in reservoirs
  • Surface water (lakes, rivers, oceans)
  • Groundwater (aquifers)
  • Ice and snow (glaciers, snowpacks)
  • **Runoff**: Flow of water over land surfaces
  • Surface runoff
  • Subsurface runoff