The Water Cycle

The Water Cycle Also Known as the hydrologic cycle

The Hydrosphere All the water that occurs at Earth’s surface is the hydrosphere

The Driving Force The sun provides the energy for the water cycle radiation from the sun causes water to change to a gas called water vapor.

Evaporation The process of water changing from a liquid state to a gas is called evaporation.

Condensation Water vapor rises in the atmosphere and cools When it is cool enough it changes back into a liquid When water vapor condenses it forms clouds

Precipitation Clouds are made up of millions of tiny water droplets that collide and form larger drops When the drops get too large and heavy to remain suspended, they fall to Earth

Transpiration Transpiration is the evaporation of water into the atmosphere from the leaves and stems of plants. Plants absorb soilwater through their roots.

The Water Cycle