The Water Cycle

What is runoff?

• 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 like rivers and oceans.

• Runoff is the process of water being absorbed by the soil and used by plants.

• Runoff refers to the evaporation of water from lakes and rivers into the atmosphere.

• Runoff is the collection of water in underground aquifers.

What is precipitation?

• A form of water that evaporates from the Earth's surface.

• Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

• A type of cloud formation in the atmosphere.

• The process of water being absorbed by the soil.

What is groundwater?

• Water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers, accessible through wells and springs.

• Water that is found in rivers and lakes.

• Water that evaporates from the surface of the earth.

• Water that is used for irrigation only.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

• Weather refers to long-term average of weather patterns, while climate refers to short-term atmospheric conditions.

• Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

• Weather and climate are essentially the same and can be used interchangeably.

• Weather is determined by geographical location, while climate is determined by altitude.

What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?

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

• The sun cools the water, causing it to condense into clouds.

• The sun absorbs all the water in the cycle, preventing evaporation.

• The sun creates rain by cooling the air around it.

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

• Clouds are formed by condensation and are essential for precipitation, returning water to the Earth's surface.

• Clouds block sunlight and prevent evaporation from water bodies.

• Clouds are primarily composed of dust and do not affect the water cycle.

• Clouds only form during storms and have no role in the water cycle.

What is the significance of hurricanes in the water cycle?

• Hurricanes cause droughts by reducing rainfall.

• Hurricanes can contribute to the water cycle by bringing large amounts of precipitation, which eventually returns to the ocean through runoff.

• Hurricanes have no impact on the water cycle.

• Hurricanes only affect the temperature of the ocean.

What is transpiration?

• The process by which plants absorb water and release it as vapor into the atmosphere.

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The method by which plants store nutrients in their roots.

• The way plants reproduce through seeds.

How does temperature affect evaporation?

• Higher temperatures decrease the rate of evaporation.

• Higher temperatures have no effect on evaporation.

• Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation, as heat provides energy for water molecules to change into gas.

• Higher temperatures only affect evaporation in certain liquids.

What is condensation?

• The process of water vapor cooling and changing back into liquid water, forming clouds.

• The process of water evaporating into vapor due to heat.

• The process of ice melting into water when heated.

• The process of water being absorbed by soil and plants.