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Water Cycle Vocab
vocabulary definitions for the water cycle
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Water Cycle | the continuous movement of Earth's water from the ocean to the atmosphere to the land and back to the ocean. The water cycle is driven by the energy from the sun. |
| Weather | the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place. The condition of the atmosphere is affected by the amount of water in the air. |
| Condensation | takes place when water vapor cools and changes into water droplets that form clouds in the atmosphere. Water loses energy during condensation. |
| Precipitation | is rain snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds onto the Earth's land and oceans. |
| Runoff | is precipitation that flows over the land into streams and rivers. The water later enters the ocean. |
| Evaporation | takes place when water from the ocean and the Earth's surface changes into vapor. Water gains energy during evaporation. |
| Percolation | is the downward movement of water through the pores and other space in the soil due to gravity |