The Water Cycle by Amelia

Our new topic is the Water Cycle. In order to understand the process, we have been asked to write out an explanation. Here is mine, hopefully detailed and informative enough to really deserve its place on the Year 5/6 blog:


The Water Cycle

Water is everywhere. In our houses, at the beach, at the local
swimming pool. Our everyday lives depend on it. We can also see it in
many forms, such as condensation on our windows and steam from our
showers. Have you ever wondered how there are so many different forms
and why we need them? Well, they are all linked with a physical
process called the Water Cycle (also known as the hydrological cycle).
And what is the Water Cycle, you ask? Luckily for you, this text is
all about this everyday system. So read on for a simple yet detailed
explanation on how the Water Cycle really works:

It starts off when the heat from the Sun causes evaporation. This is
when the heat warms up the water from any water source or humid
environment (for example: rainforests, oceans, puddles). Because of
this temperature change, the liquid changes into a gas called water
vapour. The newly-made gas accumulates (collects together) and uses
transportation to create a cloud.

The vapour, as it rises, starts to change temperature; once it has
fully cooled, it forms a liquid known as condensation. The cloud – now
full with condensation – is moved by the wind. As it is transported
around the sky, it collects more and more vapour. Eventually, it gets
so full that it can’t hold any more. So, instead of bursting like a
balloon, it causes precipitation.

The precipitation can either be: rain; snow; sleet or hail, and falls
down onto the ground. Here, it either runs off back into the seas and
oceans via rivers and streams or infiltrates the ground. Infiltration
is when the water makes its way into the cracks and pores in the dirt.
Consequently, it trickles through the underground and allows the
plants to drink it through their roots. As a result of the Sun’s heat,
this causes the plants to ‘sweat’. This is called transpiration. And
then it happens over and over and over again!

Water is an essential part of our everyday lives. From hydration to
transportation, this liquid is absolutely everywhere, helping us with
everything. We know we need water, but what about the Water Cycle
itself?