Water Cycle Flashcard

Front

Liam observed a puddle of water disappearing on a sunny day. What process changes water from liquid to gas?

Back

Evaporation

Answer explanation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas is called evaporation. During evaporation, molecules at the surface of the liquid gain enough energy to enter the gas phase, while condensation refers to the opposite process.

Front

Stages of the water cycle: Evaporation, Precipitation, Condensation. Which is NOT a stage?

Back

Photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, not a stage of the water cycle. The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

Elijah observed fog on the bathroom mirror after a hot shower. This effect is due to what process?

Back

Condensation

Answer explanation

The process where water vapor cools and forms droplets, creating clouds, is called condensation. This is distinct from evaporation, which is the process of water turning into vapor.

Front

Example of precipitation:

Back

Rain falling from the sky

Answer explanation

Precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. Rain falling from the sky is a direct example of precipitation, while dew, evaporation, and river flow are not.

Front

Impact of the water cycle on weather:

Back

Influences rainfall and storm patterns.

Answer explanation

The water cycle is crucial in regulating weather patterns, as it influences rainfall and storm formation. Changes in evaporation and condensation directly affect precipitation and can lead to various weather events.

Front

Majority of Earth's evaporation occurs in:

Back

Oceans

Answer explanation

The majority of Earth's evaporation occurs over the oceans, which cover about 71% of the planet's surface. This vast area allows for significant water vapor to enter the atmosphere, making oceans the primary source of evaporation.

Front

Water on the playground after rain:

Back

Runs off into water bodies or soaks into the ground.

Answer explanation

After precipitation falls to Earth, water either runs off into bodies of water or soaks into the ground, replenishing aquifers and contributing to the water cycle. This is the primary process that occurs, rather than immediate evaporation or freezing.

Front

Water entering underground reserves after rain.

Back

Infiltration

Answer explanation

The term for water that seeps into the soil and underground water reserves is 'infiltration'. This process allows water to move from the surface into the ground, replenishing aquifers and soil moisture.

Front

Nora observed runoff after heavy rain. This process in the water cycle is:

Back

Water flowing over the ground into rivers, lakes, and oceans

Answer explanation

Runoff refers to water that flows over the ground, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and oceans. This process is crucial in the water cycle, as it transports water from land to larger bodies of water.

Front

Evelyn observes water vapor rising and cooling to form clouds.

Back

Condensation

Answer explanation

The stage of the water cycle where water vapor rises and cools to form clouds is called condensation. During this process, water vapor transforms into liquid water, leading to cloud formation.