Lesson 6: Earth’s Water Cycle

What is the Water Cycle? The water cycle is the continual movement of Earth’s water between the land, ocean, and air.

Discovery Education Video The Water Cycle Explores the process of the water cycle: nature's way of recycling water. The program features evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

There are Four Stages to Earth’s Water Cycle: 1. Evaporation 2. Condensation 3. Precipitation 4. Collection and Runoff

This gas is called water vapor. Evaporation is the process by which the sun’s energy changes water from a liquid to a gas. This gas is called water vapor.

This water vapor collects in Earth’s atmosphere to form clouds. This process is called condensation.

These are examples of precipitation. As clouds become heavy from the condensed water vapor, the water will fall back to earth as rain, snow, or sleet. These are examples of precipitation.

Collection and runoff provide water for life on Earth. Precipitation can collect in bodies of water, run off from higher areas of land, or be absorbed into the ground. Collection and runoff provide water for life on Earth.

The water cycle is an ongoing process that continues to repeat itself.

Earth’s Water Cycle Key Questions What occurs during each stage of the water cycle? What provides energy for the water cycle? Explain Why is the water cycle necessary for life on Earth?