What is the Water Cycle and How does it work?

• The Water Cycle, also called the Hydrologic Cycle
• Energy from the sun drives the cycle.
• As water gains heat energy, the water changes to a gas.
• This process is called Evaporation.
• Depending the temperature, the vapor becomes a liquid or solid through the process of Condensation.
• The water vapor may condense on any surface or fall as some form of Precipitation.

• The water cycle keeps the earth’s water moving in its different forms.
• It flows through streams and rivers, into lakes and oceans, and enters the Groundwater.
• Water is found in glaciers, soil, the atmosphere, plants and animals.
• It exists as rain, snow, sleet, hail, dew, frost and vapor.
• This process keeps refreshing and renewing earth’s water resources.

Review the Water Cycle picture below. Click here to get the complete water cycle story.

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Although it looks simple, the water cycle is very complex. Water can go in any direction from any place at any time. Just watch the water on a rainy day. Where does the water go – into a stream, lake, or river; into the ground, an animal or plant; back into the air? Water that flows or evaporates from one place usually does not return to the same place. In addition, the amount of water in one place is always changing. That is why we have light and heavy rain and snow, storms, foods and droughts.

Watch a Water Cycle Animation.

When you are ready, take the Water Cycle Quiz.

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