Review: Water cycle

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process where liquid water turns into water vapor, usually due to heat from the sun.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

True or false: Evaporation occurs only in oceans.

False, because evaporation can occur from any body of water, including lakes, rivers, and even soil.

Difference between evaporation and transpiration.

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor from surfaces, while transpiration refers to water vapor released from plants.

What drives the water cycle?

The sun's energy drives the water cycle by providing heat for evaporation and influencing wind patterns.

Fill in the blank: Water vapor condenses to form ______.

clouds

What is runoff?

Runoff is water that moves across the land and eventually returns to oceans, lakes, and rivers after precipitation.

True or false: Only freshwater participates in the water cycle.

False, because both freshwater and saltwater participate in the water cycle.

How does infiltration occur?

Infiltration occurs when water seeps into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers.

Question: What is the major source of energy for the water cycle?

The sun

What is the role of clouds in the water cycle?

Clouds act as storage for water vapor and play a key role in precipitation.

True or false: The water cycle is a closed system.

True, because the total amount of water on Earth remains constant, cycling through different forms.

What happens during snowmelt?

Snowmelt is the process where snow turns back into liquid water, contributing to rivers and streams.