water cycle AI 3 Flashcards
What is the water cycle?
The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.
Name the main processes involved in the water cycle.
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.
True or False: Evaporation occurs only from bodies of water.
False.
What process involves water vapor cooling and changing into liquid water?
Condensation.
Fill in the blank: Precipitation can occur in the form of _____, _____, or _____ .
rain, snow, sleet.
What is the role of the sun in the water cycle?
It provides energy for evaporation.
What is infiltration?
The process by which water enters the soil.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a form of precipitation? A) Rain B) Hail C) Evaporation D) Snow
C) Evaporation.
True or False: The water cycle is a closed system.
True.
What is runoff?
Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water.
What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?
Evaporation is the conversion of water from liquid to vapor, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.
Fill in the blank: The process that transfers moisture from the soil to the atmosphere is called _____ .
evapotranspiration.
What is the significance of the water cycle for ecosystems?
It regulates climate, supports plant growth, and maintains water supply.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a major reservoir in the water cycle? A) Atmosphere B) Rivers C) Lakes D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
True or False: The process of condensation results in the formation of clouds.
True.
What is sublimation in the context of the water cycle?
The process where ice or snow changes directly into water vapor without becoming liquid.
What factors influence evaporation rates?
Temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area.
Fill in the blank: _____ is the term for water that is absorbed by the soil.
Infiltration.
What is the term for the long-term average of precipitation in a region?
Climate.
Multiple Choice: Which type of precipitation occurs when warm air rises and cools? A) Rain B) Snow C) Hail D) All of the above
A) Rain.
True or False: Groundwater is a part of the water cycle.
True.
What role do plants play in the water cycle?
They contribute to transpiration, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.
What is the hydrosphere?
The combined mass of water found on, under, and above the surface of a planet.
Fill in the blank: The water cycle is also known as the _____ cycle.
hydrological cycle.
What is the primary source of energy driving the water cycle?
The sun.
Multiple Choice: Which process is responsible for the formation of rivers? A) Evaporation B) Runoff C) Condensation D) Infiltration
B) Runoff.
True or False: Water can exist in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
True.
What is a watershed?
An area of land that drains rainwater into a specific body of water.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air.
humidity.
What is the term for water vapor that condenses and forms droplets on surfaces?
Dew.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of surface runoff? A) Water flowing into a river B) Water seeping into the ground C) Water evaporating from a lake D) Water vapor rising from plants
A) Water flowing into a river.
True or False: The water cycle can be affected by human activities.
True.
What is the impact of deforestation on the water cycle?
It can reduce transpiration and alter precipitation patterns.
Fill in the blank: The movement of water through the atmosphere is primarily driven by _____ and _____ .
solar energy, gravity.
What is groundwater recharge?
The process by which water infiltrates the ground and replenishes aquifers.
Multiple Choice: Which process contributes most to the formation of clouds? A) Evaporation B) Infiltration C) Transpiration D) Runoff
A) Evaporation.
True or False: Climate change can impact the water cycle.
True.
What is the relationship between the water cycle and climate regulation?
The water cycle helps regulate temperatures and precipitation patterns.
Fill in the blank: _____ are formed when water vapor freezes into ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Snowflakes.
What is the role of vegetation in the water cycle?
Vegetation aids in water retention, transpiration, and influences local climate.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following can increase evaporation rates? A) High humidity B) Low temperatures C) Strong winds D) All of the above
C) Strong winds.
True or False: Urbanization can lead to increased runoff and decreased infiltration.
True.
What is the term for the process of water returning to the surface from the ground?
Groundwater discharge.
Fill in the blank: Water vapor in the atmosphere can cool and form _____ .
clouds.
What is the significance of glaciers in the water cycle?
They store freshwater and release it through melting.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of excessive groundwater extraction? A) Land subsidence B) Increased flooding C) Decreased water quality D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
True or False: Soil type can influence the rate of infiltration.
True.
What is the effect of temperature on the rate of evaporation?
Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the area where rainwater is collected and stored.
catchment area.
What is the main contributor to precipitation in tropical regions?
Evaporation from warm ocean waters.
Multiple Choice: Which process is responsible for the majority of freshwater on Earth? A) Glaciers B) Rivers C) Lakes D) Groundwater
A) Glaciers.
True or False: The water cycle is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
True.
What is the impact of climate change on precipitation patterns?
It can lead to more intense storms and altered rainfall distribution.
Fill in the blank: The _____ effect describes how water vapor traps heat in the atmosphere.
greenhouse.
What is the role of clouds in the water cycle?
Clouds store and transport water vapor, leading to precipitation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following processes can lead to the formation of fog? A) Evaporation B) Transpiration C) Condensation D) All of the above
C) Condensation.
True or False: The water cycle has a fixed duration.
False.
What is the term for the water that infiltrates the ground and is stored underground?
Aquifer.
Fill in the blank: _____ is the process where water vapor escapes from the leaves of plants.
Transpiration.
What is the primary driver of the water cycle?
The sun’s energy.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a factor that affects soil moisture? A) Precipitation B) Temperature C) Plant cover D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
True or False: The water cycle operates independently of human activity.
False.
What is the term for the movement of water from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface?
Precipitation.
Fill in the blank: The _____ process occurs when water vapor cools and condenses into droplets.
condensation.
What is the significance of the water table?
It indicates the level at which the ground is saturated with water.
Multiple Choice: Which type of precipitation is most common in winter? A) Rain B) Snow C) Hail D) Sleet
B) Snow.
True or False: Water can be recycled through the water cycle indefinitely.
True.
