WATER CYCLE

V O C A B U L A R Y

WATER CYCLEPurpose of the cycle is to collect,

purify, and distribute the earth’s fixed supply of water.

EVAPORATIONThe conversion of liquid water into

water vapor.

TRANSPIRATIONEvaporation of water from the parts

of plants exposed to air.

CONDENSATIONConversion of water vapor into

droplets of liquid or frozen water. Saturation point of air. Dew point – temp. when condensates.

PRECIPITATIONRain, sleet, snow, hail, drizzle, etc.

INFILTRATIONMovement of water into the soil.

PERCOLATIONDownward flow of water through

soil and permeable rock formations to groundwater storage areas.

GROUNDWATER-1/5 OF EARTH’S FRESH H2O Water that sinks into the soil and is

stored in slowly flowing and slowly renewed underground storage areas called aquifers.

AQUIFER (2 TYPES)Groundwater storage areas

RUNOFFDownslope surface movement of

water eventually making it back to the sea.

WATER BUDGETDifference between precipitation

and evapotranspiration. What is left is available to us to use as runoff or groundwater. Can be surplus or deficit.

P = EVT + RO + GWC

WATERSHED

FLOODPLAINS

DROUGHT