The Sun and the Water Cycle

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Water Cycle

A continuous process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

The Sun

The sun is what makes the water cycle work. The thermal energy provided by the sun causes evaportation.

Multiple Choice

What drives the water cycle?

• rain

• temperature

• the Sun

• rotation

Multiple Choice

What is another word for thermal energy?

• solar

• wind

• heat

• light

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor (water in its gas form) turns into liquid.

Precipitation

The release of water from the sky, it can be liquid or solid, for example, rain, sleet, hail and snow. Rain begins when small droplets of water join together in the clouds until they become too heavy and gravity pulls them down to earth.

Multiple Choice

This picture of the mirror shows an example of--

• precipitation

• transpiration

• evaporation

• condensation

Multiple Choice

This picture shows -

• evaporation

• condensation

• precipitation

• transpiration

Transpiration

The release of water from plant's leaves.

Water Cycle Video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following events in the water cycle is an example of solar energy being s?

• Water vapor condensing to form clouds.

• Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean.

• Rain freezing as it falls to the ground.

• Clouds releasing precipitation over a mountain.

Multiple Choice

The diagram shows the process of evaporation over the ocean. What is the most likely effect of this process on the land areas nearby?

• Increased drought conditions

• Decreased erosion of the shoreline

• Increased precipitation

• Decreased solar energy

Multiple Choice

This photograph shows a beach on a partly sunny day. Which of the following is an interaction between the sun and the ocean that results in clouds forming near the beach?

• Energy from the sun causes precipitation over the ocean.

• Energy from the sun causes water to evaporate from the ocean.

• Light from the sun reflects off the surface of the ocean.

• Light from the sun decreases the amount of water vapor in the air over the ocean.

Multiple Choice

The model shows where water can be found during different stages of the water cycle. What should be added to the diagram to better explain the water cycle?

• Soil to trap water from runoff

• Rocks to release thermal energy

• The sun to provide energy for evaporation

• Plants to provide oxygen in the atmosphere

Multiple Choice

The picture shows a cumulonimbus cloud forming over an ocean. Which statement best explains how the sun and the ocean interact to form a cumulonimbus cloud?

• Heat from the sun warms the ocean causing water to evaporate. The water vapor then condenses to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

• Heat from the sun causes clouds in the area to gather over the ocean and form on large cumulonimbus cloud.

• Light from the sun shines on the ocean, causing water vapor to condense. The water then evaporates to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

• Light from the sun causes ocean water to reflect water vapor in the air and gather over the ocean into a cumulonimbus cloud.

Drag and Drop

The process of changing liquid water to water vapor is called ​

Placeholder

 

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

evaporation

precipitation

condensation