Water cycle: The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Reservoirs: Natural storage locations for water such as oceans, lakes, and glaciers.
Cycle stages: The main phases of the water cycle including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
The water cycle is a closed system with no beginning or end, continuously recycling Earth's water. Energy from the sun drives this cycle by causing evaporation, where water transforms from liquid to vapor. During the cycle, water moves through different states—liquid, vapor, and solid—depending on the stage and environmental conditions.
The water cycle is a global, continuous system that sustains Earth's water distribution and supports life by constantly recycling water through various stages and reservoirs.
1. What primarily drives the evaporation stage of the water cycle?
2. Who is credited with proposing the role of solar energy in driving the evaporation process?
3. What is the primary cause that triggers the condensation process in the atmosphere?
Water cycle — overview?
Continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth.
Evaporation — process?
Liquid water transforms into vapor due to heat.
Condensation — role?
Water vapor cools and forms droplets, creating clouds.
Precipitation types — examples?
Rain, snow, sleet, hail.
Collection — definition?
Water gathering in lakes, rivers, oceans.
Runoff — function?
Water flows over land toward collection bodies.
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