Water Cycle (STAAR released questions)

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 again through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What happens during evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process where 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, usually from rain, that travels downhill across the Earth's surface into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What percentage of Earth is covered by saltwater oceans?

Back

About 70% of Earth is covered by saltwater oceans.

Front

What is the effect of evaporation over the ocean on nearby land areas?

Back

Evaporation over the ocean increases precipitation for nearby land areas.

Front

What happens to salt when saltwater evaporates?

Back

When saltwater evaporates, the salt gets left behind.

Front

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the heat energy needed for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater?

Back

Freshwater has low concentrations of salt, while saltwater contains a high concentration of salt, primarily found in oceans.