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The Water Cycle for Schools

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have teamed up to create a water-cycle diagram for schools.

What is the water cycle? I can easily answer that—it is "me" all over! The water cycle describes the existence and movement of water on, in, and above the Earth. Earth's water is always in movement and is always changing states, from liquid to vapor to ice and back again. The water cycle has been working for billions of years and all life on Earth depends on it continuing to work; the Earth would be a pretty stale place without it.

NOTE: This diagram and information is "public domain", meaning it is free for anyone to use for any purpose. You don't need to ask permission. Look at the "Files for printing" above to find high-resolution versions of the diagram.

The original water-cycle for kids placemat is still available.