Water Cycle

Front

How does salt water from the ocean end up as fresh water in precipitation?

Back

Evaporation leaves salt in the ocean

Answer explanation

Salt water from the ocean becomes fresh water through evaporation. When ocean water evaporates, the salt is left behind, resulting in water vapor that eventually condenses and falls as precipitation, which is fresh water.

Front

What is the main energy source that powers the water cycle?

Back

Sunlight

Answer explanation

The primary energy source driving the Earth's water cycle is sunlight. It heats the water in oceans, causing evaporation, which then leads to condensation and precipitation, facilitating the movement of water between the atmosphere, oceans, and land.

Front

During which process in the water cycle is the energy that water gained during evaporation released, similar to water droplets forming on a cold water bottle?

Back

Condensation that forms clouds

Answer explanation

During evaporation, water absorbs energy. This energy is released during condensation, as water vapor cools and transforms back into liquid, forming clouds. Thus, condensation is the correct process where energy is released.

Front

What two main factors should be considered to understand an area’s climate?

Back

Temperature and precipitation

Answer explanation

Climate is primarily determined by temperature and precipitation, as these factors influence weather patterns and ecosystems. While landforms and bodies of water affect climate, they do so by impacting temperature and precipitation.

Front

After a heavy rain, Anika notices that water is moving across the ground in her backyard instead of soaking into the soil. This movement of water over the surface of land is called __________.

Back

Runoff

Answer explanation

Runoff occurs when water flows over the surface of land, typically after precipitation. It is the process that transports water from higher elevations to lower areas, contributing to rivers and streams.

Front

What is the layer called where gases form a blanket around the Earth?

Back

Atmosphere

Answer explanation

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, forming a protective blanket. The biosphere refers to life, the hydrosphere to water, and the lithosphere to land, making 'atmosphere' the correct choice.

Front

What important role does the atmosphere play in the water cycle?

Back

It is an engine

Answer explanation

The atmosphere acts as an engine in the water cycle by facilitating processes like evaporation and precipitation, driving the movement of water between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.

Front

The four main stages of the water cycle are...

Back

Precipitation, evaporation, condensation, & transpiration

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Precipitation, evaporation, condensation, & transpiration' as these are the four main stages of the water cycle, describing how water moves through the environment.

Front

During a science experiment, Mason pours water from a bottle onto the ground. Gravity is the force that...

Back

keeps water moving in the water cycle

Answer explanation

Gravity plays a crucial role in the water cycle by keeping water on the ground and allowing it to flow into rivers and oceans. This movement is essential for evaporation and precipitation, making the correct choice about gravity's role.

Front

What is the process called when leaves of plants release tiny droplets of water?

Back

process by which plants absorb water through their roots and then release it through the pores on their leaves

Answer explanation

Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water through their roots and then release it through the pores on their leaves. This is essential for nutrient transport and temperature regulation in plants.