Water Cycle MS-ESS2-4

Aquifer

A water-containing, underground layer of rock. Aquifer. An aquifer is like a giant sponge underground that holds and supplies water for wells and springs.

Condensation

The process of a gas changing into a liquid is called condensation. Condensation is when water vapor in the air cools down and turns into liquid water, like when drops form on a cold glass.

Evaporation

The top of liquid changing into a gas. Evaporation. Evaporation is when water turns into vapor and disappears into the air.

Glacier

A large mass of slow moving ice and snow. Glacier. A glacier is a big, slow-moving river of ice that forms when snow builds up over time and gets compressed.

Groundwater

Rain and melted snow that is stored in underground soil and rock. Groundwater. Groundwater is water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock.

Precipitation

Water that falls to Earth in any form, like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Precipitation. Precipitation is when water from the sky falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff

Water that flows on the ground instead of being soaked into it. Runoff. In simple terms, runoff is when rain or melted snow moves over the ground instead of soaking into it.

Water cycle

The constant movement of water through Earth and its atmosphere, by evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Water cycle. The water cycle is how water keeps moving from the ground to the sky and back again.