Questions and Answers
What is the water cycle?
The continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back.
As water moves through the water cycle, does the total amount of water in Earth's water system change?
False
What does the water cycle describe?
The movement of water as water molecules make their way from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and then back as precipitation.
What powers the water cycle?
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What are the 3 major processes in the water cycle?
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What is evaporation?
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What is condensation?
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What is large droplet formation?
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What is precipitation?
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What are the forms of precipitation?
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What is transpiration?
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What is runoff?
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What is infiltration?
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What is accumulation?
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What are areas of water accumulation?
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What is solar energy?
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What role does gravity play in the water cycle?
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What is a divide?
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What borders watersheds?
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What is a watershed?
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What is another name for a watershed?
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What defines the shape of the watershed?
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Why is a watershed also known as a drainage basin?
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What are the two types of pollution that end up in runoff in a watershed?
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What is non-source pollution?
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What is source pollution?
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Study Notes
Water Cycle Overview
- The water cycle is a continuous process where water transitions between Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
- The total amount of water in Earth's system remains relatively constant.
Water Cycle Processes
- Describes the journey of water from the surface to the atmosphere and back via precipitation.
- Major processes include evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Evaporation
- Water transforms from liquid to gas as it absorbs solar energy.
- Water molecules gain energy, increasing movement and escaping into the atmosphere as vapor.
Condensation
- Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and loses energy, transitioning back to liquid.
- Droplets form as molecules slow down and combine.
Droplet Formation and Precipitation
- Small droplets combine to form larger ones, maintained in the air by wind energy.
- When droplets are heavy enough, they fall to Earth as precipitation, which includes rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
Transpiration and Runoff
- Transpiration is the process by which plants absorb water and release it through leaves.
- Runoff refers to surface water movement after precipitation or snowmelt.
Infiltration and Accumulation
- Infiltration is the process of water entering soil and rock pores, contributing to groundwater.
- Accumulation occurs when water collects in lower elevations such as lakes, ponds, and oceans.
Essential Forces: Solar Energy and Gravity
- Solar energy drives evaporation and condensation processes, facilitating the water cycle.
- Gravity influences the downward movement of water, causing precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
Watersheds and Divides
- Watershed: land area that drains into a major stream, collecting water, sediment, and dissolved substances.
- Divides are ridges that define watershed boundaries, directing water flows in different directions.
Pollution Types in Watersheds
- Non-source pollution originates from multiple sources, often related to agriculture.
- Source pollution comes from a single identifiable origin, typically an industry.
Importance of Watersheds
- Watersheds are also called drainage basins, as they collect runoff and facilitate water drainage from land.
- The shape of a watershed is defined by land elevation.
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Description
Explore the essential components of the water cycle with these flashcards. Each card defines key terms and concepts related to this vital process that sustains life on Earth. Perfect for students seeking to solidify their understanding of this crucial environmental cycle.