Water Cycle Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the water cycle?

The movement of water from the ground to the air and back to the ground by evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

What is evaporation?

During the water cycle, liquid water is heated and changed to a gas.

What is condensation?

During the water cycle, the gas is cooled and changed back to a liquid.

What is precipitation?

When the liquid or solid falls to the ground as water, snow, hail, freezing rain, or sleet. Signup and view all the answers

What drives the water cycle?

The sun provides the energy that drives the water cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'conserve' mean?

Not to waste. Signup and view all the answers

What is pollution?

Harmful, unclean materials that reduce the amount of usable water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drought?

A very long time with no precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a flood?

An event when it rains for a very long time resulting in too much rain. Signup and view all the answers

Water changes ___ to create the water cycle.

state of form Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water vapor in the upper atmosphere?

It cools and condenses, turning back into liquid. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the air cannot hold condensed water anymore?

Precipitation occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is accumulation in the context of the water cycle?

Precipitation gathers in the ground, lakes, streams, and rivers. Signup and view all the answers

What is salt water?

The ocean and brackish water. Signup and view all the answers

Where can fresh water be found?

In rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Signup and view all the answers

What causes water pollution?

Oil, runoff from lawn fertilizer, and dog poop. Signup and view all the answers

What does conservation mean regarding water use?

Using only the amount of water or resources necessary instead of wasting them. Signup and view all the answers

What is ground water?

Water that falls to the earth as precipitation and may be used by plants and animals as drinking water. Signup and view all the answers

What is 25 degrees Fahrenheit best for?

Making a snowman. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature is referred to as freezing by weather forecasters?

32 degrees Fahrenheit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Cycle Overview

The water cycle involves the movement of water from the ground to the air and back again, driven by evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Key Processes

Evaporation: Liquid water heats up, transforming into gas (water vapor).
Condensation: Water vapor cools and changes back to liquid, forming clouds.
Precipitation: Liquid or solid water (rain, snow, hail) falls to the ground when clouds become heavy with moisture.

Energy Source

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, initiating the water cycle.

Water Forms

Water Vapor: The gaseous state of water formed during evaporation.
Condensed Water: Collects in clouds before falling as precipitation.
State of Form: Water changes between liquid, gas, and solid phases in the cycle.

Precipitation Types

Forms include snow, sleet, rain, and hail.

Accumulation

Precipitation gathers in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, replenishing water sources.

Water Sources

Salt Water: Primarily found in oceans and brackish water.
Fresh Water: Available from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Impact of Pollution

Water pollution, caused by substances like oil and fertilizers, reduces usable water and affects ecosystems.

Environmental Concerns

Drought: Extended periods without precipitation lead to water shortages and environmental stress.
Flood: Excessive rainfall can result in flooding, overwhelming land and water systems.

Conservation Practices

Conservation involves using only necessary amounts of water to prevent waste and protect resources.

Temperature Significance

32 degrees Fahrenheit marks freezing temperatures, critical for understanding weather impacts on water.

Ground Water

After precipitation, some water is absorbed into the ground, providing vital drinking water for plants and animals.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential processes of the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Discover how energy from the sun drives these processes and learn about the different forms water takes throughout the cycle. Test your knowledge on the transformation of water and the types of precipitation that occur.