Understanding the Hydrological Cycle

What is the hydrological cycle?

• The hydrological cycle refers to the movement of air in the atmosphere.

• The hydrological cycle is the process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

• The hydrological cycle is the study of soil composition and its effects on agriculture.

Explain the concept of a closed system in the context of the hydrological cycle.

• A closed system in the hydrological cycle is one that relies on external water sources.

• A closed system allows for water to enter and exit freely.

• A closed system in the hydrological cycle is one where water is recycled internally without external inputs or outputs.

• In a closed system, water is only stored and not recycled.

What are the main stores in the hydrological cycle?

• Deserts

• Atmosphere, oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater

• Forests

• Mountains

Define evaporation and its role in the hydrological cycle.

• Evaporation is the process of vapor condensing into liquid water.

• Evaporation is the movement of water from the ground to rivers.

• Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor, playing a key role in the hydrological cycle by moving water from the surface to the atmosphere.

• Evaporation is the process of water freezing into ice.

What is condensation and how does it occur?

• Condensation is the process of liquid water turning into water vapor when heated.

• Condensation is the process of water vapor turning into liquid water, occurring when air cools to its dew point.

• Condensation is the evaporation of water that happens during the day.

• Condensation occurs only in high humidity environments regardless of temperature.

Describe the process of precipitation.

• Precipitation is the process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in various forms.

• Precipitation is the process of water evaporating into the atmosphere.

• Precipitation is the process of water being stored in lakes and rivers.

• Precipitation occurs when water is absorbed by the soil.

What is transpiration and why is it important?

• Transpiration is the process of water movement through plants and its evaporation from aerial parts, primarily leaves. It is important for nutrient transport, cooling, and maintaining plant structure, as well as contributing to the water cycle.

• Transpiration is the process of photosynthesis in plants.

• Transpiration only occurs during the night when temperatures are cooler.

• Transpiration is the absorption of water by plant roots.

Explain the term evapotranspiration.

• Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere.

• Evapotranspiration is the absorption of water by soil and rocks.

• Evapotranspiration is the process of water freezing in the atmosphere.

• Evapotranspiration refers to the movement of water from the ocean to the land.

What is overland flow and how does it differ from other types of flow?

• Overland flow is the movement of water across the land surface, differing from groundwater flow and channel flow.

• Overland flow is the same as groundwater flow.

• Overland flow occurs only in rivers and streams.

• Overland flow is the process of water evaporating from the soil.

Define infiltration and its significance in the hydrological cycle.

• Infiltration refers to the movement of soil particles into water bodies.

• Infiltration is the process of water evaporating from the soil.

• Infiltration is the process of water flowing over the surface of the land.

• Infiltration is the process of water entering the soil, crucial for groundwater recharge and ecosystem health.