the water cycle
define transpiration
the evaporation of water from plants
define weather
Atmospheric conditions at a given time and place
define climate
Long-term pattern of weather in a particular region
Which process in the water cycle requires energy from the sun?
evaporation
define an easterly wind
wind traveling from east to west
define surface runoff
water flowing over the surface of the earth
define latitude
How far north or south of the equator a place is located (further north or south is a higher latitude)
define elevation
How high above sea level a place is
Which process in the water cycle requires water to release its thermal energy?
condensation
define a westerly wind
wind traveling from west to east
define condensation
the process in which a gas (water vapor) becomes a liquid
The northernmost point of Earth at which the sun can be directly overhead is…
Tropic of Cancer
How does latitude influence climate?
Higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight leading to cooler climates
define groundwater flow
the process of liquid water moving below the earth's surface
which way does the Earth rotate? (west to east or east to west) and (clockwise or counterclockwise)
west to east and counterclockwise
define evaporation
the process in which water (or a liquid) becomes a gas (such as water vapor)
The southernmost point of Earth at which the sun can be directly overhead is…
Tropic of Capricorn
How does elevation influence climate?
Air expands and cools at higher elevations leading to cooler climates
define infiltration
the process of liquid water moving from above the ground to below earth's surface
list the three states of matter and give an example of each
solids (ice)
liquids (water)
gasses (water vapor)
define precipitation and list all four of the forms
the process in which atmospheric water vapor condenses and then falls back to the earth's surface
• sleet
• hail
• snow
• rain
How do geographical features influence climate?
(large bodies of water and mountains)
Large water bodies moderate air temperatures leading to more mild climates near oceans and lakes
Climates on the inland side of a mountain range tend to be warmer and drier due to the mountains rain shadow
If a cold glass of water is left outside on a hot day, water droplets form on the outside of the glass. Where does this water come from? What process in the water cycle causes this to happen?
Comes from: water vapor in the air
Water cycle process: condensation
Why does Earth rotate at a slower velocity at the Poles than at the Equator?
The circumference of the Earth is much larger at the equator than at the poles, yet each takes roughly 24 hours to complete a single rotation. Therefore, the equator is traveling a farther distance in the same amount of time. Using the equation, velocity = distance / time, we can determine that the equator is rotating at a faster rate than the poles.