Hydrology Part 1

Question 1

What is the primary source of energy that drives the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 1

Sunlight

Question 2

Which process in the hydrologic cycle involves water vapor changing back into liquid water?

Answer 2

Condensation

Question 3

What term describes the movement of water from the soil into the atmosphere through plants?

Answer 3

Transpiration

Question 4

During which process does water fall to the Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail?

Answer 4

Precipitation

Question 5

What is the process by which excess water flows over the ground surface after a heavy rain?

Answer 5

Runoff

Question 6

Which of the following processes contributes to the recharge of aquifers?

Answer 6

Infiltration

Question 7

What term refers to the downward movement of water through soil and rock layers?

Answer 7

Percolation

Question 8

How does urbanization typically affect the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 8

It increases runoff due to impervious surfaces.

Question 9

What is the primary function of clouds in the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 9

To cause precipitation

Question 10

Which of the following is a potential impact of climate change on the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 10

Altered precipitation and evaporation rates

Question 11

What is the main process through which water vapor enters the atmosphere?

Answer 11

Evaporation

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the term “aquifer”?

Answer 12

A layer of rock that is saturated with water and can yield usable amounts of water

Question 13

Which of the following processes can lead to the formation of fog?

Answer 13

Rapid condensation
& Saturation of air with water vapor

Question 14

What role do vegetation and soil play in the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 14

They promote transpiration and infiltration

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences evaporation rates?

Answer 15

Soil type

Question 16

What happens to precipitation that falls on impermeable surfaces?

Answer 16

It runs off into nearby water bodies.

Question 17

How do changes in land use, such as deforestation, affect the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 17

They reduce infiltration and increase runoff.

Question 18

Which process occurs when water vapor cools and forms ice crystals in the atmosphere?

Answer 18

Deposition

Question 19

What is the role of rivers in the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 19

They transport water from the land to the oceans.

Question 20

What effect does increased atmospheric temperature have on the hydrologic cycle?

Answer 20

It increases the capacity of the air to hold water vapor.