1. What is the water cycle? The water cycle is the process by which water moves through the Earth and atmosphere. (You might want to start filling in the blanks on your notes now)

2. Parts of the Water Cycle There is no real beginning and no real end to the water cycle. It will continue forever – as long as the sun is around to heat the land and cause water to evaporate.

3. Evaporation The process that occurs when water changes from a liquid to a gas. Caused by heat.

4. Condensation The cooling of water in the atmosphere. Changing a gas to a liquid.

5. Precipitation Water droplets fall from the atmosphere in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

6. Examples of Precipitation = liquid water falling from the sky.

7. Examples of Precipitation = Frozen, crystalized water.

8. Examples of Precipitation Frozen ice pellets that usually falls with rain or snow. SLEET

9. Examples of Precipitation Pellets of frozen rain. HAIL

10. Most important parts of the Water Cycle: The Ocean – Largest body of water on the Earth. Where most evaporation occurs. Covers 75% of earth’s surface. The Sun: Heats the Earth’s surface and causes evaporation.

11. What happens when precipitation hits the ground? Runoff Groundwater Water that soaks into the ground and stays there. Water that flows over the ground.

12. Make sure your name is on this paper and turn in!