water cycle

• What does the term abiotic mean?

  Not living
• Where is almost all of the water on Earth found?

  In the oceans
• What type of water is found in the oceans?

  Salt water
• What causes water to evaporate from the surface of the sea?

  Energy from the Sun
• What happens to water vapor when it cools down?

  It condenses to form clouds
• What does precipitation include?

  Rain, snow, hail, and sleet
• What is a key idea about all forms of precipitation?

  They contain fresh water
• What happens to some of the water once it hits the ground?

  Some evaporates back into the atmosphere
• What forms when water passes through rocks?

  Aquifers
• Where does the water in rivers and streams eventually drain back into?

  The sea
• How do plants contribute to the water cycle?

  They take up water in their roots and release it as vapor
• What is the name of the process by which water moves up the plant and passes out of the leaf?

  Transpiration
• How do animals take in water?

  Through drinking and in their food
• How do animals release water?

  In their urine, feces, and when they exhale
• What are the stages of the water cycle?

  1. Evaporation from oceans
  2. Condensation to form clouds
  3. Precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet)
  4. Water hitting the ground
  5. Evaporation back to atmosphere
  6. Formation of aquifers
  7. Flow into rivers and streams
  8. Drainage back into the sea
• What role do living organisms play in the water cycle?

  • Plants absorb water and release it as vapor (transpiration)
  • Animals take in water through drinking and food
  • Animals release water in urine, feces, and exhalation