Water Cycle Worksheets - Free Printable

Based on the analysis of the provided diagram, here is the solution to labeling the steps in the water cycle:

The water cycle is a continuous process that describes how water moves through the Earth's systems. The diagram illustrates several key stages of this cycle, which can be identified by observing the direction of the arrows and the context of the scene.

Here are the correct labels for each blank box in the diagram:

1. Bottom Right (over the ocean): The red arrow pointing upwards from the ocean surface represents Evaporation. This is the process where liquid water from the ocean heats up and turns into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
2. Left Side (next to palm trees): The wavy lines rising from the leaves of the palm trees represent Transpiration. This is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air through their leaves.
3. Center (above the cloud): The blank box above the cloud, with an arrow pointing towards it, should be labeled Condensation. This is the process where water vapor in the atmosphere cools down and changes back into liquid water droplets, forming clouds.
4. Right Side (next to the arrow pointing down to the land): The arrow pointing downwards from the cloud to the land represents Precipitation. This is when water falls from the clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Left Side (next to the river): The blank box next to the river flowing over the land should be labeled Runoff. This is the movement of water across the land surface, eventually flowing back into rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

By filling in these labels, the diagram accurately illustrates the major steps of the water cycle: Evaporation, Transpiration, Condensation, Precipitation, and Runoff.