Unit Review #4 (The Water Cycle)

Front

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 such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Front

What role does vegetation play in the water cycle?

Back

Vegetation impacts the water cycle by absorbing liquid water from the ground through plant uptake and releasing it as a gas during transpiration.

Front

How does evaporation affect salt water in the ocean?

Back

Evaporation leaves salt in the ocean, transforming the liquid water into vapor while the salt remains.

Front

What occurs when precipitation exceeds the infiltration rate?

Back

When the rate of precipitation exceeds the infiltration rate, water runs off the surface instead of being absorbed into the ground.

Front

Define a watershed.

Back

A watershed is the entire land area that drains to a given stream, lake, or wetland.

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

Explain transpiration.

Back

Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water from the soil and release it as water vapor through their leaves.

Front

What is infiltration?

Back

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

Front

What is deposition in the context of the water cycle?

Back

Deposition is the process where water vapor changes directly into solid ice, such as frost forming on leaves.