The USGS Water Cycle
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/water-cycle-png
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/water-cycle-png
United States Geological Survey
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See how this Static Visualization supports the Next Generation Science Standards»
Grade Level
Online Readiness
Climate Literacy
This Static Visualization builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Consider presenting the blank copy (worksheet) to a classroom of students that have a preliminary understanding of the water cycle and have them complete the diagram with their own knowledge. Use this to start a discussion about the difference between pools and fluxes, and fresh and salt water.
- Ask students to think about how this diagram represents a global cycle, and encourage them to understand that water is a global resource. Then, move into a discussion about how humans effect the water cycle through climate change and industrial/modern activities.
- Make sure to check out all available resources including the "Pools and fluxes in the water cycle" graph (https://labs.waterdata.usgs.gov/visualizations/pools-and-fluxes/index.html#/). Consider identifying local or regional systems that the general labels in this diagram could be applied to.
- Consider visiting the USGS Water Science School website provided in the resource for definitions and more information about the water cycle: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-cycle
About the Content
- This comprehensive diagram depicts the global water cycle and will familiarize students with lesser known concepts like "saline lakes", "brackish wetlands", "pools", and "fluxes" in addition to core concepts like evapotranspiration, groundwater, precipitation, and reservoirs. The accompanying text contextualizes these concepts and prompts students to think about how humans impact the water cycle through climate change and industrial and agricultural activities.
- Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
About the Pedagogy
- A fillable version of this diagram can be used to test student knowledge of the water cycle (available as a worksheet in Spanish and Enlgish).
- This resource can be used to teach new concepts about the water cycle for younger users, or promote discussion about the transformations that water undergoes throughout the built and natural environments (i.e., pollution and contamination, eutrophication via agricultural water run-off). Educators may use the "zoomable" visualization to zoom in on a specific area.
- This resource should provide an excellent visual for teachers focusing on the water cycle.
Technical Details/Ease of Use
- If internet connectivity is an issue, materials can be downloaded. This resource downloads quickly and with appropriate resolution in all available formats (PNG, PDF).
- This resource is technically sound and easy to use.
Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN
- More information about the water cycle to complement the diagram from USGS can be found here https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-cycle
