What is the water cycle?The water cycle is the process by which water

moves through the Earth and atmosphere.

(You might want to start filling in the blanks on your notes now)

Parts of the Water CycleThere is no real beginning and no real end to the

water cycle.It will continue forever – as long as the sun is around to heat the land and cause water to

evaporate.

EvaporationThe process that occurs when

water changes from a liquid to a gas. Caused by heat.

CondensationThe cooling of water in the

atmosphere. Changing a gas to a liquid.

PrecipitationWater droplets fall from the

atmosphere in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Examples of Precipitation

= liquid water falling from the sky.

RAIN

Examples of Precipitation

= Frozen, crystalized water.

SNOW

Examples of Precipitation

Frozen ice pellets that usually falls with rain or

snow.

SLEET

Examples of Precipitation

Pellets of frozen rain.

HAIL

Most important parts of the Water Cycle:

The Ocean – Largest body of water on the Earth. Where most evaporation

occurs. Covers 75% of earth’s surface.

The Sun: Heats the Earth’s surface and causes evaporation.

What happens when precipitation hits the ground?

Runoff Groundwater

Water that soaks into the ground and

stays there.

Water that flows over the ground.

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