Evaporation
What is the process where water changes from liquid to a gas
Evaporation
What process in the water cycle involves water vapor turning into liquid droplets?
Condensation
What process occurs when condensed water falls to the Earth?
Precipitation
What term describes water flowing across the ground into rivers, lakes, or oceans?
Runoff
What is the main source of energy for the water cycle?
The Sun
Which source of energy drives the process of evaporation?
The Sun
When does condensation occur in the atmosphere?
When air cools and water vapor changes into liquid droplets.
When does precipitation occur?
When water vapor condenses and becomes heavy enough to fall from clouds as rain, snow, or other forms.
After precipitation, what happens to the water on land?
It can flow into rivers, lakes, or be absorbed into the soil.
What is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air?
Transpiration
Which of the following is an example of evaporation?
Water turning into vapor from a lake’s surface.
What is formed when condensation occurs high in the atmosphere?
Clouds
Which of these is NOT a form of precipitation?
Fog
What is the process by which water moves across the surface of the Earth after precipitation?
Runoff
What is the term for the movement of water from the surface of the Earth into the atmosphere and back?
The water cycle or hydrological cycle.
What factors can increase the rate of evaporation?
Higher temperature, increased wind, and lower humidity.
In what conditions do clouds typically form?
When warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses into water droplets or ice crystals.
How does the temperature of the atmosphere affect the form of precipitation?
If the air is below freezing, precipitation falls as snow or hail; if above freezing, it falls as rain.
How does urbanization affect the amount of runoff?
Urbanization increases runoff because impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings prevent water from being absorbed into the ground.
What would happen to the water cycle if evaporation stopped?
The cycle would be disrupted, and no water vapor would be released into the atmosphere.
How does evaporation contribute to the cooling of the Earth?
Evaporation absorbs heat energy from the surrounding environment, helping to cool the Earth’s surface.
What is the role of condensation nuclei in the formation of clouds?
Condensation nuclei (tiny particles like dust or pollen) provide surfaces for water vapor to condense onto, forming clouds.
What is the difference between sleet and hail in terms of formation?
Sleet forms when raindrops freeze while falling through cold air, while hail forms when strong updrafts carry ice pellets high into the storm cloud where they grow by accumulating layers of ice.
Why is runoff important in replenishing groundwater supplies?
Runoff can seep into the ground, recharging aquifers and helping to maintain groundwater levels.
What would happen if the Earth’s atmosphere could not retain water vapor?
There would be no precipitation, disrupting the water cycle and potentially leading to a drought-like condition across the Earth.