Water Cycle and Precipitation Quiz

In a real-world simulation of the water cycle conducted by students Harper, Nora, and Aiden using an empty plastic water bottle, water is poured into the bottle, sealed, and placed next to a sunny window. Which of the following would best represent the step of precipitation?

• water drops in the bottle collecting at the top

• water drops in the bottle moving down the sides

• the amount of water decreasing at the bottom of the bottle

• sunlight from the window warming the water at the bottom of the bottle

During February, students Scarlett, Aiden, and Abigail are observing a weather phenomenon as a storm system moves northeast from the Gulf of Mexico through the United States, causing various types of precipitation along its path. The air temperature at the south end of the storm system is slightly above freezing, while at the north end it is several degrees below freezing. This storm system is not associated with strong winds or thunder and lightning. Which statement best describes the types of precipitation likely to occur at each end of the storm system as it progresses?

• Hail will fall from both the north and south ends of the storm system.

• Rain will fall from both the north and south ends of the storm system.

• Rain will fall from the south end of the storm system, and snow will fall from the north end of the storm system.

• Freezing rain will fall from the south end of the storm system, and rain will fall from the north end of the storm system.

The thermometers in the geography classroom show the average winter and summer temperatures for a climate zone. Aiden, Scarlett, and Noah are discussing which climate zone would most likely have these temperatures. Which climate zone do they think it is?

• Ocean

• Polar

• Temperate

• Tropical

Ethan is studying Earth's water cycle for his science project. He wants to know which of the following is the primary source for most of the water in the Earth's atmosphere: (a)   .

• Oceans
• Glaciers
• Dew and fog
• Freshwater lakes and rivers

While planning a picnic, Hannah notices cumulonimbus clouds gathering in the sky. Which type of weather should she expect?

• sunshine

• thunderstorms

• cold temperatures

• warm temperatures

Ethan and Mia are studying a map that shows climate zones within the United States. Which statement CORRECTLY explains the difference in climate between Florida and Ohio

• Florida has more sand than Ohio

• Ohio has a higher latitude than Florida

• Ohio is closer to the ocean than Florida

• Florida has a higher elevation than Ohio

As Benjamin and Evelyn observe the weather during their winter hike, they notice that as the precipitation approaches the ground, the air temperature decreases from 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) to -4 degrees Celsius (24 degrees Fahrenheit). What form will it most likely be when it strikes the ground?

• A) hail

• B) rain

• C) sleet

• D) snow

Evelyn, Aiden, and James are planning a science project to measure humidity levels in different environments. Which environment are they most likely to find days with a relative humidity of less than 10%?

• A) a desert

• B) a swamp

• C) a rainforest

• D) a deciduous forest

A model for the water cycle is shown to the left. What is the purpose of the ice cubes in the model?

• to cool the water vapor to cause evaporation

• to heat the water vapor to cause evaporation

• to cool the water vapor to cause condensation

• to heat the water vapor to cause condensation

Jon lives on the coast of California, near the Pacific Ocean. A cold ocean current flows past the coast. What effect is the cold water current most likely to have on the climate where Jon lives?

• The climate would be less humid than nearby inland areas.

• The cold water current would keep summer weather cooler than nearby inland areas.

• The climate would have weather that changes more throughout the year than nearby inland areas.

• The cold water current would cause the area to have warmer weather year-round than nearby inland areas.