Question 1

What is the journey of water from precipitation to the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Water falls from the sky as rain, snow, or hail. It then travels through rivers and streams, eventually reaching the ocean.

Question 2

What is precipitation?

Accepted Answer

Precipitation is when water falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This happens when clouds become full of water.

Question 3

How does rain form?

Accepted Answer

Rain forms when tiny drops of water in clouds join together to make bigger drops. When these drops get too heavy, they fall as rain.

Question 4

Why does it rain more in some places than others?

Accepted Answer

Some places have lots of water in the air and clouds, so it rains more there. Other places are dry, with fewer clouds, so it rains less.

Question 5

What happens to rain when it hits the ground?

Accepted Answer

When rain hits the ground, it can soak into the soil, flow into rivers, or help plants grow. Some of it also goes back into the air as water vapor.

Question 6

What is a river?

Accepted Answer

A river is a large stream of water that flows across the land. Rivers move water from rain and melted snow to lakes and oceans.

Question 7

How do rivers help get water to the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Rivers collect water from rain and melted snow, carrying it downhill. Eventually, they reach the ocean where the water is added to the sea.

Question 8

What is evaporation?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation is when water changes from a liquid to a gas called water vapor. This happens when the sun heats up water in lakes, rivers, or oceans.

Question 9

How does water vapor return to the sky?

Accepted Answer

Water vapor rises into the sky when the sun heats up water on Earth. Once it's in the sky, it cools down and forms clouds.

Question 10

What are clouds made of?

Accepted Answer

Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals. They gather together in the sky when water vapor cools down.

Question 11

Why do oceans have salty water?

Accepted Answer

Oceans are salty because water picks up minerals and salts from the ground and rocks as it flows there. These salts stay in the ocean water.

Question 12

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Accepted Answer

The sun heats up water on Earth, causing it to evaporate into the sky. This is an important step in forming clouds and precipitation.

Question 13

What is a watershed?

Accepted Answer

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or lake. It collects rainwater and sends it towards larger bodies of water.

Question 14

How do mountains affect the journey of water?

Accepted Answer

Mountains can make rain clouds rise and cool down, causing more rain or snow at higher altitudes. They also direct rivers and streams as they flow downhill.

Question 15

What is groundwater?

Accepted Answer

Groundwater is water that soaks into the soil and fills spaces in the ground. It can flow under our feet and eventually reach rivers or oceans.

Question 16

How do plants use rainwater?

Accepted Answer

Plants take in rainwater through their roots. This water helps them grow and make food using sunlight.

Question 17

What is the water cycle?

Accepted Answer

The water cycle is the way water moves from the sky to the land and back again. It's like a big loop with precipitation, evaporation, and clouds.

Question 18

What stops rivers from running dry?

Accepted Answer

Rivers are constantly fed by rain, melted snow, and groundwater. As long as there’s enough rain, rivers will keep flowing.

Question 19

Why is clean water important for the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Clean water helps keep the ocean healthy for fish and other sea life. Pollution and dirt can harm ocean creatures and plants.

Question 20

How does pollution affect the journey of water?

Accepted Answer

Pollution can make water dirty and unsafe for animals and people. It can get into rivers and oceans, making the water unclean as it travels.

The Journey of Water: From Precipitation to Ocean - 20 FAQs Explained Simply