STAAR Review Water Cycle

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What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

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What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat from the sun.

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What is condensation?

Back

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

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What is precipitation?

Back

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

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What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain, melting snow, or other sources flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.

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What is humidity?

Back

Humidity is the amount of moisture (water vapor) present in the air.

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What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

Back

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

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What is a cloud?

Back

A cloud is a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere, formed during the condensation process.

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

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

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What is a rain gauge?

Back

A rain gauge is an instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall over a specific period.