Water Cycle Concepts Part II Flashcards
What is condensation?
Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools down and changes into liquid water or solid snowflakes.
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is the process by which water in the hydrosphere transforms into water vapor in the atmosphere.
What is an example of condensation?
Examples of condensation include a mirror misting in a bathroom water droplets on the inside of a window and car windows fogging up on a cold day.
What is an example of evaporation?
Examples of evaporation include puddles drying up paint drying and washing drying on a line.
What happens to water droplets after they fall to the ground?
After falling to the ground water droplets may contribute to runoff be absorbed into the geosphere through percolation or evaporate back into the atmosphere.
What is the water cycle?
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water within the **hydrosphere **involving processes such as evaporation condensation precipitation runoff and percolation.
What are the stages of the water cycle?
The stages of the water cycle include evaporation condensation precipitation (rain or snow) runoff groundwater and percolation.
Why does water vapor rise into the atmosphere?
Water vapor rises into the atmosphere because it is lighter than the surrounding air and is carried by the wind.
What is precipitation?
Precipitation refers to the process by which liquid water or snow falls from the atmosphere back to the hydrosphere and biosphere.
What role does the sun play in the water cycle?
The sun provides the energy necessary for evaporation to occur driving the water cycle.
How does groundwater return to the hydrosphere?
Groundwater returns to the hydrosphere through runoff or by being released back into water bodies.
What is percolation?
Percolation is the process by which water soaks into the geosphere or soil and replenishes groundwater sources.
What is one effect of water movement on Earth?
One effect of water movement on Earth is erosion which can shape landscapes through processes like tsunamis or floods.
Why is the water cycle considered a cycle?
The water cycle is considered a cycle because the same water continues to move around and around through different processes continuously.
What might happen to a water droplet after it falls from the sky?
A water droplet after falling from the sky may land on the ground contribute to puddles be absorbed or evaporate back into the air.
