The Water Cycle Quiz

What is the term for the process when liquid water changes to gaseous water vapor?

Which part of the water cycle occurs when water vapor turns back into liquid water?

Which phase involves water returning from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface?

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the main parts of the water cycle?

What primarily drives the process of evaporation in the water cycle?

What term describes the movement of water from land to water bodies due to gravity?

In which phase does frozen water change directly to water vapor?

What is the collective term for all the water present on Earth in various states?

What occurs when water vapor turns into liquid water?

Which scenario best illustrates evaporation?

In which process do water droplets in clouds become large enough to fall to Earth?

What happens during sublimation?

What is the main state of water available for human use on Earth?

Which part of the water cycle involves water movement through plants?

How does infiltration contribute to the water cycle?

The Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes water movement on, above, and below Earth's surface.
Water constantly changes states (solid, liquid, gas).
The hydrosphere encompasses all water on or near Earth's surface in all its forms.
Earth's water supply is finite; it's recycled.

Main Parts of the Water Cycle

Evaporation: Liquid water heated by the sun turns into water vapor.
Condensation: Water vapor cools, forming liquid water.
Precipitation: Water returns to Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Other Water Cycle Processes

Sublimation: Solid water (ice) turns directly into water vapor.
Transpiration: Water evaporates from plants.
Runoff: Gravity moves surface water downhill.
Infiltration: Water soaks into the ground.

Evaporation Details

Evaporation occurs when liquid water heats up to its boiling point, causing molecules to become a gas.
Examples include steam from a boiling pot or water evaporating from wet pavement.

Condensation Details

Condensation is when water vapor turns into liquid water.
Condensation can happen when air becomes saturated with water vapor or when air cools to the dew point.
Dew forming on a cold object is an example.

Precipitation Details

Precipitation returns water to the surface.
Precipitation forms from condensation, with larger, heavier water droplets falling to Earth.
Form depends on the air temperature (rain, snow, hail).

Importance of the Water Cycle

The water cycle is crucial for sustaining life on Earth.
Freshwater, essential for life, is a small percentage of Earth's total water.
The cycle plays a key role in climate and weather patterns.

Test your knowledge on the water cycle, including its main parts and processes. Dive into topics such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Understand how water moves through various states and impacts the environment.