Water Cycle
Water Cycle Project
What is a Water Cycle?
The hydrologic cycle (water cycle) describes a continuous movement of water below, above and on the surface of the earth.
Evaporation
Evaporation is the process in which a liquid changes into a gas and goes into the atmosphere. Water evaporates from still bodies of water. The condensed gaseous water forms into a cloud. Water evaporates from still bodies of water.
Condensation
Condensation is where the water that was evaporated and formed into a cloud condenses and is carried around in the cloud.
Precipitation
Precipitation is after the cloud has carried around the condensed water for a period of time, it drops from the cloud because the cohesion of water becomes too heavy to keep in the atmosphere.
Runoff
Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flows over the earth's surface.
Groundwater
Once the water is precipitated, it can go into the soil or the ground, and drip down into underground lakes or streams.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is water essential to life?
Why is water so important to life? First, it is the only substance on Earth that is in liquid form at the temperatures commonly found on the Surface of our planet. Second, it is a superb solvent, meaning that other substances regularly and easily dissolve into it. This allows water to carry nutrients to cells, and carry waste away from them. It is also how we live. Humans are made up of about 2/3 water. Without water, we wouldn't be able to live.