Earth Systems and the Water Cycle

Learn the repeating processes behind weather and life support.

🌳

biosphere

Front

the regions of the surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere inhabited by living organisms

Back
☁️

atmosphere

Front

the envelope of gases surrounding the earth

Back
🏔️

geosphere

Front

the solid parts of the Earth, including the rocks, minerals, and landforms

Back
🧊

deposition

Front

the process where water vapor changes directly into ice without becoming liquid

Back
🛶

surface water

Front

water found on the exterior of the Earth's crust, such as in streams, rivers, and lakes

Back
❄️

sublimation

Front

ice or snow changing directly into water vapor without melting

Back
🧱

aquifer

Front

underground layer of rock or sediment that holds water

Back
🌎

hydrosphere

Front

all the water found on, under, and above the surface of Earth

Back
📍

water table

Front

the upper level of the underground zone of saturation

Back
🧪

desalination

Front

the process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable

Back
🌿

transpiration

Front

water vapor released into the air by plants

Back
🏔️

runoff

Front

water flowing over the land surface into bodies of water

Back
🕳️

infiltration

Front

water soaking into the ground from the surface

Back
💧

groundwater

Front

water stored beneath Earth's surface in soil and rock

Back
🌊

collection

Front

process where water gathers in oceans, lakes, and rivers

Back

precipitation

Front

water falling from the atmosphere to Earth

Back

condensation

Front

water vapor cooling into liquid droplets

Back

evaporation

Front

liquid water changing into vapor

Back