Water Cycle

Natural Science Water Cycle 1. Introduction The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on Earth. Importance: • Supports life • Controls climate • Recycles water Simple: Water cycle = water moving in a loop 2. Basic Terms (Simple + Scientific) • Water cycle: movement of water • Evaporation: liquid → gas • Condensation: gas → liquid • Precipitation: water falls (rain, snow) • Transpiration: plants release water • Collection: water gathers Simple: Evaporation = water goes up Condensation = forms clouds Precipitation = falls down examsnipergenius.com Examsniper Genius 3. Evaporation Evaporation is when liquid water turns into water vapor. Causes: • Heat from the sun • Wind Facts: • Happens mostly in oceans • Increases with temperature Simple: Heat makes water go into air 4. Condensation Condensation is when water vapor cools and becomes liquid. Forms: • Clouds • Dew Process: • Warm air rises • Cools at high altitude Simple: Cooling makes clouds examsnipergenius.com Examsniper Genius 5. Precipitation Precipitation is when water falls to Earth. Types: • Rain • Snow • Hail Occurs when: • Clouds become heavy Simple: Clouds drop water 6. Collection Water collects in: • Rivers • Lakes • Oceans Also: • Groundwater (under soil) Simple: Water gathers again 7. Transpiration Plants release water vapor through leaves. Importance: • Adds water to air • Helps plant cooling examsnipergenius.com Examsniper Genius Simple: Plants sweat water 8. Full Cycle Process Steps: 1. Sun heats water → evaporation 2. Water vapor rises → condensation 3. Clouds form 4. Water falls → precipitation 5. Water collects 6. Cycle repeats Simple: Up → cloud → down → repeat 9. Factors Affecting the Cycle • Temperature • Wind • Humidity • Surface area of water Effects: • Faster evaporation in heat • More rain with high humidity 10. Importance of Water Cycle • Provides fresh water • Supports plants and animals • Regulates weather • Cleans water naturally examsnipergenius.com Examsniper Genius Simple: Water cycle keeps life going 11. Human Impact • Pollution affects water quality • Deforestation reduces transpiration • Climate change alters patterns Effects: • Droughts • Floods Simple: Humans can disturb the cycle 12. High Yield Exam Facts • Sun is main energy source • Evaporation starts the cycle • Condensation forms clouds • Precipitation returns water • Cycle is continuous 13. Summary Water moves in a continuous cycle. It goes up as vapor, forms clouds, falls as rain, and collects again. This cycle is essential for all life on Earth.