5.8B The Water Cycle Review

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

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

Front

What is condensation?

Back

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

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 or melted snow, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

How does the sun affect the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides thermal energy that causes water to evaporate from the Earth's surface, initiating the water cycle.

Front

What role do oceans play in the water cycle?

Back

Oceans are the primary source of moisture in the air, as water evaporates from their surface, contributing to the water cycle.

Front

What is the relationship between evaporation and precipitation?

Back

Evaporation leads to the formation of water vapor, which eventually condenses and falls back to Earth as precipitation.

Front

What is an example of solar energy being absorbed in the water cycle?

Back

Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean is an example of solar energy being absorbed.

Front

What happens to water that is not absorbed by the ground after precipitation?

Back

Water that is not absorbed flows back towards oceans and other bodies of water as runoff.