Water Cycle and Ocean Currents Flashcard

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What are the main stages of the water cycle?

Back

The main stages of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water over the land surface when the soil is saturated and cannot absorb any more water.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the amount of salt dissolved in water, particularly in oceans.

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by factors like wind, temperature, and salinity differences.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.