1. EVAPORATION
When heat is transferred to liquid water and causes the molecules of H2O to move rapidly and spread apart, causing the liquid to change state into a gas, water vapor.

2. CONDENSATION
Process in which water vapor changes into a liquid, usually after coming in contact with air that is cooler than the water vapor.

3. PRECIPITATION
Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet or hail.

4. RUNOFF
Any rainwater that does not soak into the ground or evaporate but flows over Earth’s surface; flows into streams, erodes and carries sediments.

5. CONDUCTION
A process which transfers energy when molecules bump into each other. Example: When a pot touches a stove or your hand touches a hot pan.

6. CONVECTION
The transfer of heat by the flow of material, this can be in air, water or even in the mantle of the earth.

7. RADIATION
The process in which energy is transferred by waves or rays.

8. IMPERMEABLE ROCK
Rock that will not allow water to soak in or penetrate.

9. WATER TABLE
The upper surface in the saturated rock underground.

10. PERMEABLE ROCK
Rock with connecting pores through which water can flow. Examples: limestone and sandstone.

11. FLOODPLAIN
The flat land located beside a river or stream where flood waters flow during heavy rains.

12. RIVER MEANDER
A broad, C-shaped curve in a river or stream, formed by erosion from swift moving water on its outer bank.

13. SUBLIMATION
When snow or ice converts directly into water vapor.

14. INFILTRATION
When water is absorbed into the Earth through the soil and permeable rock.

15. TRANSPIRATION
The loss of water vapor from plants.