Review: Water cycle in an ecosystem

What is the water cycle?

The water cycle is the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Evaporation process

Evaporation is when water turns from liquid to gas due to heat from the sun.

What causes condensation?

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and turns back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation examples

Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all forms of precipitation.

True or false: Water only moves in one direction.

False, because the water cycle is a continuous loop.

Difference between evaporation and transpiration

Evaporation is from water bodies; transpiration is from plants releasing water vapor.

Fill in the blank: Water that falls to the ground is called _____

Precipitation.

What happens to water in rivers?

Water in rivers can evaporate, flow to the ocean, or soak into the ground.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock.

How does the sun affect the water cycle?

The sun provides heat, causing evaporation and driving the cycle.

What is runoff?

Runoff is water that flows over land and returns to rivers, lakes, or oceans.