Let’s think through the water cycle step by step.
The water cycle is how water moves around Earth — from the ground to the sky and back again. It has four main stages, and they go in a circle.
Looking at the arrows in the diagram:
- Arrow ① points downward → that means water is falling from the sky. That’s
precipitation (like rain or snow).
- Arrow ② points left along the bottom → that’s water flowing on the ground, like rivers or runoff, going back to oceans or lakes. That’s
collection or
runoff.
- Arrow ③ points upward → that’s water turning into vapor and rising from oceans, lakes, or plants. That’s
evaporation (and transpiration from plants).
- Arrow ④ points right at the top → that’s water vapor cooling and forming clouds. That’s
condensation.
So the correct order around the cycle (starting from precipitation) is:
① Precipitation
② Collection / Runoff
③ Evaporation
④ Condensation
But let’s double-check the flow:
Start with ① (precipitation) → water falls to ground
→ then ② (collection) → water flows into rivers, lakes, oceans
→ then ③ (evaporation) → water turns to vapor and rises
→ then ④ (condensation) → vapor forms clouds
→ then back to ① (precipitation) when clouds get heavy
Yes, that makes sense.
Final Answer:
1. Precipitation
2. Collection (or Runoff)
3. Evaporation
4. Condensation
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of water cycle 4th grade worksheet.
