Lesson 2.1 -
The Water Cycle
The Water Cycle
What process occurs when liquid water changes into water vapor?
Evaporation
Freezes at 0 degrees
Boils at 100 degrees
True or False: Jet streams are narrow bands of fast-moving winds located low in the atmosphere.
False - they are high in the atmosphere
What kind of rock is associated with Karst topography and sinkholes?
Limestone
What is the main source of energy that drives the water cycle?
The Sun
What does humidity measure?
The amount of water vapor in the air
Which type of weather front often brings thunderstorms, heavy rain, and cooler temperatures?
Cold Front
Which part of a hurricane usually contains the strongest winds and most intense rain?
The eye wall
What are three types of precipitation we talked about in class?
Rain, Hail, Snow, Sleet
Name and describe the three main types of clouds we talked about in class.
Cirrus - thin and wispy with high elevation
Stratus - Layered, flat clouds that can bring lots of rain
Cumulus - Fluffy, cotton ball like clouds
What kind of weather is associated with low- pressure systems and high-pressure systems.
Low-pressure systems are associated with cloud formation, rain and storms. High-pressure systems are associated with clear, good weather.
Describe why a muck fire can be difficult to put out.
A muck fire is difficult to put out because it burns underground as a slow, smokey smolder through thick, dried organic plant matter and peat. It requires massive amounts of water or heavy rain to soak deep into the soil and reach the hidden embers.
Describe transpiration.
Plants releasing water in the form of water vapor into the atmosphere.
Describe what saturation is.
The air is at 100% humidity and can not hold on to anymore water vapor.
Explain the difference between a sea breeze and a land breeze. Include when each occurs.
A sea breeze blows from water toward land during the day. A land breeze blows from land toward water at night.
What is a storm surge? Why is it so dangerous?
Storm surges are abnormally large waves that are pushed onto coastal shores due to strong winds that are constantly pushing towards land. It can cause extreme flooding that can be very dangerous.
Describe how the Sun and gravity work together to keep water moving through the water cycle.
The Sun provides energy that heats liquid water which causes it to evaporate, while gravity pulls precipitation toward Earth and moves water downhill.
Describe the difference between air pressure and humidity.
Air pressure is the physical weight and force of the atmosphere pushing down on the Earth's surface. Humidity is the amount of invisible water vapor suspended in that air. While air pressure measures how tightly packed or heavy the air molecules are, humidity measures how much moisture is present.
Describe a convection current.
Convection currents are continuous, circular loops of movement that occur within fluids (liquids and gases) due to differences in temperature and density. Warm, less-dense fluid rises, while cool, denser fluid sinks, creating a repeating flow that transfers heat energy from one place to another.
How can a sinkhole develop?
Sinkholes form when acidic rainwater begins to break down porous limestone under the Earth's surface, creating weak pockets that can collapse.