Earth's Endless Loop: The Water Cycle and Global Climate
Water is one of the most precious resources on our planet. It is everywhere: in the vast oceans, the rushing rivers, the deep underground wells, and even in the air we breathe. Unlike many other things on Earth, the total amount of water doesn't really change. Instead, it is constantly moving, changing form, and traveling around the globe in a never-ending process called the hydrologic cycle, or more simply, the water cycle. This movement is not just about keeping our glasses full of water; it is the primary engine that drives Earth's weather patterns and regulates our global climate.
- Hydrologic Cycle:
- The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
- Evaporation:
- The process by which liquid water turns into an invisible gas called water vapor.
- Condensation:
- The process where water vapor cools down and changes back into liquid droplets.
- Aquifer:
- An underground layer of rock or sand that stores large amounts of groundwater.
- Precipitation:
- Any form of water, such as rain or snow, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.
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Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Structure
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Vocabulary
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Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1According to the passage, why is the Sun described as the battery of the water cycle?
- 2How does transpiration differ from evaporation?
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About this explanatory article passage for 5th Grade
“Earth's Endless Loop: The Water Cycle and Global Climate” is a explanatory article reading passage about Water Cycle, written for 5th Grade. It takes about 7 minutes to read (978 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.