Water Cycle Review

What is the water cycle?

• The process by which water circulates between the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land, involving precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in streams and rivers, and return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.

• The cycle of water in a single state, either as a liquid, solid, or gas.

• The biological cycle of water within the bodies of living organisms.

• The process by which water is used in industrial applications and then recycled.

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What is transpiration?

• The process by which plants absorb water through their roots.

• The process by which water vapor is released from plants into the atmosphere.

• The process by which water evaporates from the surface of the ocean.

• The process by which animals release water vapor during respiration.

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After a heavy rainstorm, what happens to the rainwater once it falls to Earth's surface?

• It is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not affect the Earth's surface.

• It evaporates immediately back into the atmosphere.

• It can collect in rivers, lakes, and oceans or infiltrate the ground to become groundwater.

• It transforms into energy and dissipates into the environment.

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What do you think would happen to the water cycle if the sun stopped shining?

• The water cycle would continue as normal because it is not dependent on the sun.

• The water cycle would be disrupted, potentially stopping evaporation and affecting the entire cycle.

• The water cycle would speed up due to the decrease in temperature.

• The water cycle would reverse, with water moving from the atmosphere to the oceans.

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How does groundwater contribute to the water cycle?

• It remains static and does not contribute to the water cycle.

• It evaporates directly into the atmosphere from underground.

• It can feed into rivers, lakes, and oceans or be taken up by plant roots and transpired.

• It cools the Earth's crust, preventing the water cycle from overheating.

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What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

• Clouds store water vapor until it returns to the Earth as precipitation.

• Clouds primarily reflect sunlight, slowing down the water cycle.

• Clouds transport water in its gaseous form across the globe.

• Clouds convert atmospheric water vapor directly into groundwater.

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Why is evaporation important to the water cycle?

• It decreases the amount of water on Earth's surface, preventing flooding.

• It is the primary method by which water is purified naturally.

• It transfers water from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere, contributing to cloud formation.

• It increases the temperature of the Earth's surface, promoting plant growth.

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Why is condensation important in the water cycle?

• It is the process by which water vapor becomes groundwater.

• It leads to the formation of clouds, which are essential for precipitation to occur.

• It increases the salinity of oceans, affecting marine life.

• It decreases the global temperature by releasing heat into the atmosphere.

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What is the significance of snow and ice in the water cycle?

• They permanently store water, removing it from the water cycle.

• They reflect sunlight, reducing the Earth's temperature and slowing evaporation.

• They act as reservoirs of fresh water that can be released into rivers and lakes during warmer months.

• They increase the salinity of the oceans, which affects the water cycle.

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What role does the ocean play in the water cycle?

• The ocean stores water and prevents it from entering the water cycle.

• The ocean primarily serves as a source of saltwater, which does not participate in the water cycle.

• The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, which indirectly affects the water cycle.

• The ocean is a major source of evaporation, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation.

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