Chapter 17 water in the atmosphere

Question 1

Is water renewable or non re new able

Answer 1

renewable

Question 2

What percentage of the water on earth is fresh

Answer 2

3%

Question 3

Describe evaporation

Answer 3

Energy from the sun causes sea water and fresh water to evaporate. This changes it from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) in the atmosphere

Question 4

Describe condensation

Answer 4

The water vapour is so light that is rises into the atmosphere. As it rises, it cools and condenses into tiny water droplets to form clous

Question 5

Descibe precipitation

Answer 5

The droplets join up and become heavier. Eventually the water falls and returns to earth (precipitates) in the form of rain, sleet hail or snow

Question 6

Describe run off

Answer 6

Some precipitation evaporates immedietly. More of it soaks into the ground. The rest of the water finds its way back to the sea by rivers and streams. This is known as surface run off

Question 7

Describe underground water

Answer 7

The bulk of the water soaks into the ground , where jt is held in the soil or in pores (tiny holes) in the rocks. From there it can return to the sea or people can drill walls for a water supply

Question 8

Describe cirrus clouds

Answer 8

Wispy, like a lock of hair
At high altitude
They consist of tiny ice crystals
Associated with good weather

Question 9

Describe cumulus clouds

Answer 9

Fluffy or woolly in appearance
At medium altitude
Known as fine weather clouds
Can bring rain if they darken in colour

Question 10

Descrbe stratus clouds

Answer 10

Form layers and can block out the sky
At low altitude, and are grey in colour
Bring continual drizzle and light rain
Called fog if they reach ground level

Question 11

What are the 3 types of rainfall

Answer 11

relief, cyclonic, convectional rainfall

Question 12

How does relief rain form

Answer 12

Warm moist air blows in from over the sea

If it meets a coastal mountain range it is forced to rise

this causes the air to cool and condensation occurs

Clouds form and eventually rain falls on the windward side of the mountain

the air that descends on the sheltered side of the mountain has very little moisture left. Condensation ceases and a rain shadow is created

Question 13

How is cyclonic rainfall formed

Answer 13

Cold polar air and warm moist tropical air masses meet at a front

The light warm air mass rides up over the cold heavy air mass

this causes the warm air to cool and condensation occus

Clouds form and eventually rain falls

rain is light at first but eventually becomes heavier

Question 14

How is convectional rainfall formed

Answer 14

Earths surface is heated by solar energy

The land warms the air above it and moisture is evaporated

This warm moist air then rises and cools

Condensation occurs and clouds form

Heavy shower follow. They are sometimes accompanied by thunder.