The water cycle, for 6th grade understanding, describes how water is exchanged or cycled through Earth's land, ocean, and atmosphere.
Understanding the Water Cycle
The water cycle is a continuous process where water moves around our planet. It doesn't just stay in one place. It's constantly changing forms and locations. This cycle is essential for life on Earth.
Key Components of the Water Cycle
Here's a breakdown of where water exists according to the reference:
- Land: Lakes, rivers, glaciers, and ice sheets.
- Ocean: Seas and oceans.
- Underground: Aquifers.
- Atmosphere: Vapor in the air and clouds.
Why the Water Cycle Matters
The water cycle is important because:
- It distributes fresh water around the globe.
- It helps regulate Earth's temperature.
- It's essential for plants, animals, and humans to survive.
In simple terms, the water cycle is all about water moving, changing, and being reused over and over again!
