The Water Cycle Flashcards
1
Q
The water cycle means water is endlessly recycled.
Explain the processes that occur during the water cycle.
A
- Heat energy from sun makes water evaporate from sea, turning it into water vapour - water also evaporates from plants via transpiration
- Warm water vapour is carried upwards as warm air rises - when high enough, it cools and condenses to form clouds
- Water falls from clouds as precipitation (rain, snow, hail) onto land, which then is drained back into the sea
2
Q
A drought occurs when there isn’t enough precipitation.
Why are droughts a big problem?
A
We rely on precipitation to get fresh water for drinking
3
Q
State what is meant by ‘desalination’.
A
A method of producing potable water by removing salts from salt water
(e.g. distillation)
