Water Cycle STAAR Questions

Which of the following events in the water cycle is an example of solar energy being absorbed?

• Clouds releasing precipitation over a mountain

• Rain freezing as it falls toward the ground

• Water condensing to form clouds

• Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

A diagram of the stages in the water cycle is shown below. Which of these observations would most likely be seen at Stage N?

• Water flowing downhill

• Fog forming along a highway

• The water level of a lake decreasing

• Dark clouds forming in the sky

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The majority of the moisture in the air comes from Earth's oceans. Precipitation occurs which returns water back to Earth's surface. Water that is not absorbed flows back towards the oceans. Which best describes the sun’s role in the water cycle?

• Energy from the sun causes precipitation over the ocean.

• Light from the sun reflects off the surface of the ocean.

• Thermal energy from the sun causes water to evaporate from Earth.

• Light energy from the sun decreases the amount of water vapor in the air over the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The pictures show a sidewalk at three different times on the same day. The changes were caused by the weather. Which table best describes the changes that most likely occurred between 6:00 A.M. and Noon?

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The diagram above shows the process of evaporation over the ocean. What is the most likely effect of this process on the land areas nearby?

• Increased drought conditions

• Decreased erosion of the shoreline

• Increased precipitation

• Decreased solar energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

This photograph shows a beach on a partly sunny day. Which of the following is an interaction between the sun and the ocean that results in clouds forming near the beach?

• Energy from the sun causes precipitation over the ocean.

• Energy from the sun causes water to evaporate from the ocean.

• Light from the sun reflects off the surface of the ocean.

• Light from the sun decreases the amount of water vapor in the air over the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Students create a diagram of the Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle). What is missing in the diagram?

• Condensation should be placed between Evaporation and Precipitation.

• Erosion should be placed between Runoff and Evaporation.

• Collection should be placed between Evaporation and Precipitation.

• Deposition should be placed between Precipitation and Runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The model below shows where water can be found during different stages of the water cycle. What should be added to the diagram to better explain the water cycle?

• Soil to trap water from runoff

• The sun to provide energy for evaporation

• Rocks to release thermal energy

• Plants to provide oxygen in the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The picture below shows a cumulonimbus cloud forming over an ocean. Which statement best explains how the sun and the ocean interact to form a cumulonimbus cloud?

• Heat from the sun warms the ocean, causing water to evaporate. The water vapor then condenses to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

• Heat from the sun causes clouds in the area to gather over the ocean and form one large cumulonimbus cloud.

• Light from the sun shines on the ocean, causing water vapor to condense. The water then evaporates to form a cumulonimbus cloud.

• Light from the sun causes ocean water to reflect water vapor into the air and gather over the ocean into a cumulonimbus cloud.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The water cycle is shown below. Which of the following correctly the number on the diagram to the process of the water cycle?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4