The Water Cycle

Question 1

Precipitation

Answer 1

Any moisture that falls from the sky e.g. rain or snow

Question 2

Infiltration

Answer 2

When water travels from the surface of the Earth into the soil beneath.

Question 3

Surface run-off

Answer 3

When water travels across the surface of the Earth.

Question 4

Channel flow

Answer 4

Water travelling in rivers or streams.

Question 5

Stem flow

Answer 5

When intercepted water travels down the trunks and branches of trees and plants.

Question 6

Percolation

Answer 6

When water in saturated soil moves to unsaturated soil

Question 7

Groundwater flow

Answer 7

The movement of water through saturated soil or rock.

Question 8

Through flow

Answer 8

The movement of water through unsaturated soil or rock.

Question 9

Interception

Answer 9

When an object, normally a building or a tree, stops precipitation from reaching the ground beneath.

Question 10

Surface storage

Answer 10

Any water held on the the surface of the soil like a lake, pond or a puddle.

Question 11

Soil-moisture storage

Answer 11

Water that is stored below the soil in unsaturated ground.

Question 12

Groundwater storage

Answer 12

Water stored in saturated ground

Question 13

Evaporation

Answer 13

Liquid water on the ground turns into water vapour and forms clouds.

Question 14

Transpiration

Answer 14

The water stored in the cells of plants evaporates and forms clouds.