5.8B The Water Cycle Review

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water turns into water vapor due to heat from the sun.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which 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 role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides thermal energy that causes water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, and rivers, initiating the water cycle.

Front

What happens to water after it precipitates?

Back

After precipitation, water can be absorbed by the ground, flow into rivers and lakes, or return to the oceans.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water, from rain or melted snow, that moves across the ground and returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces like oceans and lakes, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants into the air.

Front

What is the significance of the oceans in the water cycle?

Back

Oceans are the largest source of moisture in the atmosphere, providing the water that evaporates and eventually falls as precipitation.

Front

How does temperature affect evaporation?

Back

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because heat provides energy for water molecules to escape into the air.