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
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