Water Cycle Learning Templates
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It plays a crucial role in maintaining life and the environment. The main processes in the water cycle include:
Evaporation: Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil is heated by the sun and turns into vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
Condensation: Water vapor cools down as it rises, forming clouds through a process called condensation.
Precipitation: When the clouds become heavy, water falls back to the Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Collection (or Accumulation): The water then collects in oceans, rivers, lakes, and the ground, where it may either soak into the soil (infiltration) or run off into bodies of water.
Transpiration: Plants also release water vapor into the air through their leaves.
Runoff and Infiltration: Some water flows over the land as runoff into rivers and lakes, while some soaks into the ground and replenishes groundwater.
This cycle repeats endlessly and helps regulate the Earth’s temperature and climate.
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Water evaporates into the air, forms clouds, falls as rain or snow, and gathers in oceans and rivers. It also moves through plants and underground. This natural cycle keeps water moving and supports all life on Earth.