1
When water evaporates into the atmosphere, where does the energy come from?
The Sun
As a molecule of water absorbs thermal energy, it begins to ________________ faster
vibrate
What are water storage areas in the water cycle commonly called?
reservoirs
Which of these is NOT part of the water cycle: Nitrogen fixation, Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation?
Nitrogen fixation
When water droplets in a cloud combine, become too heavy, and fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, we are experiencing ____
precipitation
How can groundwater become surface water?
Groundwater can seep out of the ground into a stream, lake, or wetland.
The process by which a liquid changes into a gas
evaporation
What percentage of water in the atmosphere comes from bodies of water?
90%
What is a place where water is stored underground in permeable rock or sediment called?
Aquifer
Describe how gravity is involved in the water cycle.
Gravity pulls precipitation down to Earth and drives runoff, moving water from higher elevations to lower storage areas like lakes and oceans.
During evaporation, does the substance absorb energy or release energy?
absorb
The process by which a liquid turns into a crystalline solid
crystallization
Which process moves water from plants into the atmosphere?
transpiration
How do the lower layers of snow turn into ice?
The top layers of snow press down on the lower layers of snow and become very heavy
During condensation, does the substance absorb energy or release energy?
release
Over 75% (about 78%)
Which sphere does water enter when it evaporates?
the Atmosphere
Name some examples of reservoirs:
oceans, lakes, glaciers and ice caps, and groundwater (aquifers)
What happens to air temperatures in the lower atmosphere as altitude increases?
they decrease
Where can water evaporate from?
bodies of water, from plants, from humans
What drives the movement of water in the water cycle?
Energy from the Sun and gravity
The process by which a gas changes to a liquid
condensation
What happens to the total amount of water on Earth during the water cycle?
It remains stable and does not change
What do we call moisture that falls from clouds to Earth’s surface?
precipitation
How does global warming affect the water cycle?
It increases rates of evaporation and can lead to more intense precipitation.