Water Cycle Flashcards

Study Notes

Water Cycle Concepts

Hydrological Cycle is another term for the water cycle, describing the ongoing movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Evaporation is the process where water transforms from a liquid state to a gaseous state, becoming water vapor.
Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes back into tiny liquid water droplets, forming clouds in the atmosphere.
Precipitation refers to any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface, driven by gravity.

Groundwater and Soil Interactions

Infiltration happens when water seeps into the ground through unsaturated soil, which is dry and can absorb water.
An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment that contains groundwater; it serves as a vital source of fresh water.
The water table is the upper boundary of an aquifer, indicating the depth at which the ground is saturated with water.

Water Flow and States

Runoff or collection takes place when the ground is saturated, leading excess water to flow into rivers or accumulate in lakes.
Sublimation is the process where snow or ice directly transitions from a solid state to a gas, bypassing the liquid phase.
Transpiration is the release of water vapor from plant leaves into the atmosphere, a process akin to plant "sweating."

Soil Moisture Conditions

Saturated ground conditions occur when the soil is completely filled with water, unable to absorb any additional moisture.
Unsaturated ground conditions exist when the soil has space to absorb more water, remaining dry.

Description

Test your knowledge of the water cycle with these flashcards. Each card defines key terms such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, essential for understanding the hydrological cycle. Perfect for students and anyone looking to revise their science vocabulary!