Water cycle

The water cycle is the never-ending journey that water takes as it circulates from clouds to the land to the ocean and back again. This is nature’s way of cleaning and recycling all the water on earth – it’s this fresh water that make life on earth possible.

And because of the way the cycle works – it’s known as a ‘closed system’ – meaning there’s no new water on the planet. The fact is, we are actually drinking the same water that the dinosaurs drank!

Did you know?

• The water in your glass may have fallen as rain just last week.
• 97% of the earth’s water is ocean. 2% of the earth’s water is frozen in glaciers. Less than 1% is fresh water available for us to use.
• The water cycle is made up of different stages: evaporation; condensation; precipitation; run off; infiltration and transpiration.
• 70% of your body is made of water.

Downloads and information

• Water cycle worksheet (PDF)
• Drainage basin (PDF)
• River Journey (PDF)

If you’re keen to learn more about the water cycle, why not visit us at one of our discovery centres.