Water Cycle Basics
What is the name of the movement of water around Earth?
The water cycle
What is runoff called when water moves from high land to rivers and lakes?
Collection
Which sphere includes rivers, lakes, oceans, and all water on Earth?
Hydrosphere
Which type of water contains dissolved salt?
Saltwater
What is the main source of energy that drives the water cycle?
The sun
What process is called when water soaks into the ground?
Infiltration
Which sphere includes land and underground water?
Geosphere
About what percent of Earth’s water is saltwater?
About 97%
What happens when liquid water changes into a gas?
Evaporation
What do we call water stored underground?
Groundwater
Which sphere contains water vapor and clouds?
Atmosphere
Where is most freshwater found on Earth?
Glaciers and ice caps
What process happens when water vapor cools and forms clouds?
Condensation
What process happens when plants release water vapor through their leaves?
Transpiration
Which sphere includes plants and animals that use water?
Biosphere
Which type of water is drinkable by humans?
Freshwater
What are two forms precipitation can take when it falls to Earth?
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail
What process happens when plant roots take in water from the soil?
Absorption
Name two spheres water moves through during the water cycle.
Any two: geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere
Why does saltwater float above freshwater?
Saltwater has a higher density