The Water Cycle

After water vapor rises, which process creates clouds seen above the mountains in the diagram?

• Collection storing groundwater

• Precipitation releasing raindrops

• Evaporation heating surface water

• Condensation cooling water vapor

A farmer over-waters fields. What two outcomes are most likely for nearby streams?

• Lower groundwater with no surface flow

• More clouds forming directly over streams

• Reduced runoff and cleaner streams

• Increased runoff carrying pollutants

Which statement best describes how building a dam can affect an ecosystem?

• It removes water from oceans and deserts

• It increases rainfall and creates new forests

• It makes rivers shorter and mountains taller

• It changes river flow and habitats upstream

A town plans both a new dam and new housing with lots of pavement. Which combined outcome is most reasonable?

• Less runoff and guaranteed droughts

• More transpiration with fewer storms

• Instant climate cooling and taller trees

• Changed river habitats and higher flood risk

Which human activity most directly changes river flow and reservoir levels?

• Urban road building near neighborhoods

• Dam creation across major rivers

• Planting trees in city parks

• Using sprinklers on small gardens

Which action most likely reduces infiltration and increases runoff in a city?

• Restoring natural floodplains

• Urbanization with paved surfaces

• Creating wildlife corridors

• Community rain‑garden planting

A factory draws freshwater for cooling and returns warmer water downstream. What is a likely impact on the water cycle?

• Thicker sea ice in polar areas

• Altered local evaporation rates

• Faster tectonic plate movement

• Increased lunar tides at beaches

Which statement best explains how human activities can affect the water cycle?

• People alter storage and movement of water

• Stars change rainfall through starlight

• Mountains create rivers by magnetism

• Animals decide when clouds will form

For 2 points in the water cycle category, how many parts must be drawn and labeled?

• At least three parts of the cycle

• Only condensation and precipitation

• Exactly five parts of the cycle

• At least two parts of the cycle

Which requirement is specific to earning 3 points in the human effect category?

• Explain one benefit of recycling

• Label precipitation with raindrops

• Draw a city with tall buildings

• Show three drawbacks of human activities