The water cycle Flashcards
The movement of water between the atmosphere and earths surface is called the _____ _____.
Water cycle
As the sun heats the land and oceans, the amount of water in the atmosphere _______.
Changes
Water is ______ ______ between the atmosphere and earths surface.
Always moving
Evaporation:
The process by which water molecules in liquid water escape into the air as water vapor. (Gas)
Where does evaporation come from?
• comes from bodies of water and plants.
- plants= transpiration (sweating)
Condensation:
The process by which water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.
What does condensation form?
Clouds
Precipitation:
Is the liquid that formed the clouds that has become to heavy to stay in the air.
Precut action falls to earth as…
Rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, or hail.
___________ is the primary way water is delivered from the atmosphere to the earth.
Precipitation
Runoff-
The variety of ways water moves across the land.
Humidity:
Is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air.
Air’s ability to hold water vapor in the air depends on its _____________.
Temperature
____ air can hold more water vapor than ____ air.
Warm
Cold
Relative humidity:
The % of water vapor that is actually in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a particular temperature.
Ex. of relative humidity-
At 10°C 1 cubic meter of air can hold 8 g of water vapor. If there are 8 g of water vapor present, the relative humidity equals…
100%
How do clouds form?
Clouds form when water vapor in the air condenses to form liquid water or ice crystals.
Scientists classify clouds based on there ______ and _______.
Shape and altitude
Each type of cloud is associated with a different type of _______.
Weather
Cirrus:
Clouds are wispy and feather like. Look like rows of cotton balls.
Where do cirrus clouds form?
At very high levels where temperatures are very low.
What are cirrus clouds made of?
Made of ice crystals.
Cirrus clouds often mean….
A storm is coming.
Cumulus:
Clouds look like fluffy, rounded piles of cotton balls.
Where do cumulus clouds form and how tall can they grow?
Cumulus clouds form less than 2 kilometers above ground but they may grow in size and height until they extend upward as much as 18 kilometers.
Cumulonimbus clouds:
Very tall with flat tops.
Cumulus** Not very tall= \_\_\_\_ weather. Very tall (cumulonimbus) = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Fair
Thunderstorms
Status clouds:
Form in flat layers.
Dull gray color.
Status clouds usually cover ________ of the sky.
All or most of the sky.
Nimbostratus clouds:
Clouds are thicker and may produce drizzle, rain, or snow.
What are the 3 main types of clouds?
1) cumulus
2) cirrus
3) status
