Air Masses & Water Cycle

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. It has no definite start or end.

Front

What is evaporation in the water cycle?

Back

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Back

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is an air mass?

Back

An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics.

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms over the ocean?

Back

An air mass that forms over the ocean is characterized as 'wet' due to the moisture it absorbs from the water.

Front

How do we characterize an air mass that forms near the poles?

Back

An air mass that forms near the poles is characterized as 'cold' due to the low temperatures in those regions.

Front

What is transpiration?

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere as a waste product.

Front

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a region.