the water cycle

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THE WATER CYCLE

Accumulation- the process in which water pools, or accumulates, in large bodies like oceans, seas, or lakes.

Evaporation- the process in which liquid water becomes water vapour (a gas). Water vaporizes from the surfaces of oceans or lakes, from the surface of the land, and from melts in snow fields.

Condensation- the process in which water vapour (a gas) in the air turn into liquid water. These water drops then form onto ice crystals or other particles in the sky and condense into clouds.

Precipitation- the process in which water (in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falls from clouds in the sky to the Earth's surface.

Surface Runoff- rain, snow melt, or other water that flows in surface streams, rivers, or canals.

Subsurface Runoff- rain, snow melt, or other water that in underground streams, drains, or sewers.

Transpiration- the process in which some water within plants evaporates into the atmosphere. Water is first absorbed in the plant's roots, then later exits by evaporating through pores in the plant.