The Water Cycle and Severe Weather
May 25, 2015
The Water Cycleand Severe Weather
Water CycleWater moves from the surface of the earth to
the air and then back again.Never ending process Condensatio
n
PrecipitationEvaporation
Parts of the Water CycleEvaporation
CondensationPrecipitation
EvaporationProcess by which a liquid changes into a gas
CondensationProcess by which a gas changes into a liquid
PrecipitationRainSnowSleet Hail
Rain
Liquid precipitationMost common precipitationTemp > 0˚Celsius (32˚Farhenheit)
Snow
Solid precipitationIce crystalsWater vapor turns to ice
Sleet
Solid precipitationFrozen rainIce pellets
Hail
Solid precipitationFrozen rainRound pieces of ice
Severe Storms
ThunderstormsTornadoesHurricanes
Thunderstorm
LightningStrong windsHeavy rains
Tornado
Fast-spinning spiral of windStretches from thunderstorm clouds to
groundWinds can be greater than 400 kph (250
mph)800-1000 tornadoes in U.S. per year
Hurricane
Large tropical stormWinds speeds of 119 kph (74 mph) or moreForm over warm water
Weather Safety*Severe storms are dangerous!*Watch TV or listen to radio for directions during severe weather.*Be alert for weather sirens.*Be prepared with a emergency supply kit.