Sun's Energy and the Water Cycle

Front

What is the process called when liquid water falls from the atmosphere to the ground due to gravity?

Back

Precipitation

Front

Why is the ocean crucial for the water cycle?

Back

Over 95% of Earth’s water is in the ocean.

Front

How does evaporation and wind affect precipitation in a location?

Back

Increased precipitation.

Front

What provides the energy for the water cycle?

Back

The Sun.

Front

What is an example of the Sun’s thermal energy at work in the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

The process of liquid water turning into vapor due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

The process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water.

Front

What role does gravity play in the water cycle?

Back

It causes precipitation to fall to the ground.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Water that flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.