Water Cycle

Which example is a form of precipitation?

• Dew

• Fog

• Frost

• Hail

Answer explanation

Hail is a form of precipitation that consists of ice pellets, formed in thunderstorms. Dew, fog, and frost are not classified as precipitation; they are forms of moisture that occur under different conditions.

In which area would the rate of evaporation be the lowest?

• Over the ocean

• Over the mountains

• Over the rainforest

• Over the desert

Answer explanation

The rate of evaporation is lowest over the desert due to its dry conditions and lack of moisture. In contrast, areas like the ocean, mountains, and rainforest have higher humidity, promoting greater evaporation.

As a part of the water cycle, water from Earth's surface enters the clouds and finally falls back to the ground in the form of rain. What is the correct sequence of processes water undergoes?

• Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation

• Precipitation, Condensation, Evaporation

• Condensation, Evaporation, Precipitation

• Evaporation, Precipitation, Condensation

Answer explanation

The correct sequence is Evaporation (water vapor rises), then Condensation (vapor cools to form clouds), and finally Precipitation (water falls as rain). Thus, the answer is Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation.

What would happen if the Sun is removed from the water cycle?

• The water cycle would not include precipitation but would continue with groundwater flow.

• The water cycle would no longer occur because the Sun provides the energy for evaporation and transpiration.

• The water cycle would no longer occur because the Sun provides energy for the formation of clouds.

• The water cycle would not include evaporation and transpiration but would continue with condensation.

Answer explanation

The Sun is essential for the water cycle as it provides the energy needed for evaporation and transpiration. Without the Sun, these processes would cease, halting the entire water cycle.

A student draws a model to represent the precesses involved in the water cycle, as shown. To which process is the formation of clouds related?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Freezing

• Melting

Answer explanation

The formation of clouds is related to condensation, which occurs when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds. This process is a key part of the water cycle.

The image shows various stages in the water cycle. During which stage does water flow back towards the sea as runoff?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Answer explanation

In the water cycle, runoff occurs when water flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water like the sea. This process is represented by stage Z, where water collects and moves back towards the sea.

On Earth, what process generates most of the water vapor?

• Condensation

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

Evaporation is the primary process that generates most of the water vapor on Earth, as water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into vapor due to heat from the sun, contributing significantly to the water cycle.

Rain and snow are two different forms of precipitation that fall on Earth's surface. Which factor is responsible for there being different forms of precipitation?

• Evaporation

• Run-off

• Temperature

• Transpiration

Answer explanation

Temperature determines the state of water in the atmosphere. When temperatures are low, water vapor condenses into snow; when temperatures are higher, it falls as rain. Thus, temperature is the key factor for different forms of precipitation.

What is precipitation?

• Sweat from our bodies on hot days

• Warm rain but not cold snow or sleet

• Gas that we use in furnaces or ovens

• Any form of water that falls from the sky

Answer explanation

Precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the sky, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. The correct choice encompasses all these forms, making it the most accurate definition.

What is another name or synonym for the water cycle?

• Geologic cycle

• Hydrologic cycle

• Geosphere

• Carbon cycle

Answer explanation

The water cycle is also known as the hydrologic cycle. It describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, distinguishing it from other cycles like the carbon cycle or geologic cycle.