Use the following terms and phrases to construct a concept map that describes the process of the water cycle: water cycle; evaporation; condensation; precipitation; water changes from liquid to gas; water changes from gas to liquid; water falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. For more help, refer to the Skill builder Handbook.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Concept Map: Water Cycle
[Water Cycle]
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-------------------------------------------------
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[Evaporation] [Condensation] [Precipitation]
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[Water changes [Water changes [Water falls as
from liquid to from gas to rain, snow,
gas] liquid] sleet, or hail]
Explanation
The water cycle is a continuous process through which water moves through the Earth’s atmosphere, surface, and underground. It is powered primarily by the energy from the sun and involves several key stages: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
The first major stage is evaporation. This occurs when heat from the sun warms bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing the water to change from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). This water vapor rises into the atmosphere. A similar process called transpiration also adds water vapor to the air from plant leaves.
As the water vapor rises higher into the cooler parts of the atmosphere, it begins to cool and undergoes condensation. This is when the water vapor changes from a gas back into a liquid, forming tiny water droplets. These droplets gather together to form clouds.
When the clouds become heavy with moisture, the next stage—precipitation—occurs. This is when the water droplets fall back to the Earth’s surface due to gravity. Precipitation can occur in various forms, including rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions.
After precipitation, water collects in oceans, lakes, rivers, and in the ground, where it can either be used by living organisms or start the cycle again through evaporation. This continuous cycle is essential for sustaining life, regulating climate, and supporting ecosystems.
By understanding the water cycle, we can better appreciate how water moves through our environment and the importance of conserving water resources. Each part of the cycle plays a critical role in ensuring water is available in different parts of the world
.