water cycle AI 1 Flashcards
What is the global hydrological cycle?
The global hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
True or False: The hydrological cycle only includes the movement of water on the surface of the Earth.
False
What process involves the transformation of water from liquid to vapor?
Evaporation
Fill in the blank: The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid is called __________.
Condensation
What is precipitation?
Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
Which process describes water movement from the surface of the Earth back into the atmosphere?
Evapotranspiration
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a form of precipitation? A) Rain B) Snow C) Evaporation D) Hail
C) Evaporation
What role do oceans play in the hydrological cycle?
Oceans act as the primary source of moisture for the atmosphere through evaporation.
True or False: Groundwater is a significant component of the hydrological cycle.
True
What is runoff?
Runoff is the movement of water, usually from precipitation, across the land surface and into bodies of water.
Fill in the blank: The water that infiltrates the ground is referred to as __________.
Groundwater
What is the term for the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere?
Transpiration
What factors influence the rate of evaporation?
Temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area.
True or False: The hydrological cycle is a closed system.
True
What is the significance of the water table?
The water table is the upper surface of saturated soil or rock, indicating the level at which groundwater is found.
Multiple Choice: Which process contributes to cloud formation? A) Evaporation B) Transpiration C) Condensation D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the main driver of the hydrological cycle?
Solar energy
Fill in the blank: The __________ effect describes how water vapor cools and condenses to form clouds.
Cooling
What is the difference between surface runoff and subsurface runoff?
Surface runoff occurs on the land surface, while subsurface runoff refers to water that moves through soil and rock layers.
True or False: The hydrological cycle has no impact on climate.
False
What is infiltration?
Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that can affect the hydrological cycle? A) Oxygen B) Carbon Dioxide C) Nitrogen D) Helium
B) Carbon Dioxide
What are aquifers?
Aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing rock that can yield water to wells and springs.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which water vapor in the air is converted directly into ice without becoming liquid first.
Sublimation
What is the role of vegetation in the hydrological cycle?
Vegetation helps regulate the cycle through processes like transpiration and influencing local humidity and precipitation patterns.
True or False: Human activities do not affect the hydrological cycle.
False
What is the term for the movement of water through different states (liquid, vapor, solid) in the hydrological cycle?
Phase change
Multiple Choice: Which phenomenon can disrupt the hydrological cycle? A) Deforestation B) Urbanization C) Climate Change D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the significance of the hydrological cycle for ecosystems?
The hydrological cycle is crucial for maintaining ecosystems by providing necessary water resources for plants and animals.
Fill in the blank: The __________ cycle refers to the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Hydrological
What is the effect of temperature on the rate of evaporation?
Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of evaporation.
True or False: Ice caps and glaciers are part of the hydrological cycle.
True
What is the term for the water that is stored in glaciers and ice caps?
Cryosphere
Multiple Choice: Which is a primary source of freshwater? A) Rivers B) Oceans C) Clouds D) Atmosphere
A) Rivers
What is the relationship between the hydrological cycle and weather patterns?
The hydrological cycle influences weather patterns by affecting humidity, precipitation, and temperature.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process that occurs when water vapor condenses into liquid droplets forming clouds.
Condensation
What is the impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle?
Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase evaporation rates, and affect the availability of freshwater resources.
True or False: All water on Earth is recycled through the hydrological cycle.
True
What are the main reservoirs of water in the hydrological cycle?
Oceans, glaciers, groundwater, lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere.
Multiple Choice: Which process is involved in the formation of fog? A) Evaporation B) Condensation C) Precipitation D) Transpiration
B) Condensation
What is the primary method by which water is returned to the Earth’s surface from the atmosphere?
Precipitation
