Chapter 15: Water Cycle, Weather, and Climate

Question 1

The __________ is the process that moves water through Earth’s systems.

Answer 1

water cycle

Question 2

__________ is the main energy source that drives the water cycle.

Answer 2

The Sun

Question 3

When water changes from a liquid to a gas, the process is called __________.

Answer 3

evaporation

Question 4

__________ is the process of water vapor cooling and changing back into liquid.

Answer 4

condensation

Question 5

Rain, snow, sleet, or hail are forms of __________.

Answer 5

precipitation

Question 6

Water that soaks into the ground is called __________.

Answer 6

infiltration

Question 7

The boundary where two air masses meet is called a __________.

Answer 7

front

Question 8

A __________ front forms when a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass.

Answer 8

cold

Question 9

A warm air mass sliding over a cold one forms a __________ front.

Answer 9

warm

Question 10

__________ pressure systems usually bring clear skies.

Answer 10

High

Question 11

__________ pressure systems usually bring clouds and precipitation.

Answer 11

Low

Question 12

Fast-moving rivers of air high in the atmosphere are called __________.

Answer 12

jet streams

Question 13

The transfer of heat through space is called __________.

Answer 13

radiation

Question 14

The transfer of heat through direct contact is called __________.

Answer 14

conduction

Question 15

The transfer of heat by the movement of fluids is called __________.

Answer 15

convection

Question 16

A __________ breeze happens when cool air from water moves inland during the day.

Answer 16

sea

Question 17

A __________ breeze occurs when cool air from land moves toward the sea at night.

Answer 17

land

Question 18

__________ are large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity.

Answer 18

Air masses

Question 19

The average weather over 30 years or more is called __________.

Answer 19

climate

Question 20

The day-to-day state of the atmosphere is called __________.

Answer 20

weather

Question 21

The __________ Stream helps steer weather systems across the globe.

Answer 21

Jet

Question 22

__________ currents move heat through Earth’s oceans.

Answer 22

Ocean

Question 23

Burning fossil fuels releases __________ gases into the atmosphere.

Answer 23

greenhouse

Question 24

The __________ effect causes cities to be warmer than rural areas.

Answer 24

urban heat island

Question 25

Increased evaporation from global warming can lead to stronger __________.

Answer 25

storms

Question 26

What process moves water through Earth's systems? A. Photosynthesis B. Condensation C. Water Cycle D. Transpiration

Answer 26

C. Water Cycle – The water cycle moves water through Earth's systems using various processes.

Question 27

Which energy source drives the water cycle? A. The Moon B. Earth's Core C. The Sun D. Wind

Answer 27

C. The Sun – Solar energy powers evaporation and other steps in the cycle.

Question 28

What is the change from liquid water to water vapor called? A. Condensation B. Freezing C. Evaporation D. Precipitation

Answer 28

C. Evaporation – This is the process of water turning into vapor.

Question 29

Which process forms clouds in the atmosphere? A. Condensation B. Evaporation C. Infiltration D. Runoff

Answer 29

A. Condensation – Clouds form when water vapor cools and condenses.

Question 30

Which of the following is not a form of precipitation? A. Rain B. Snow C. Hail D. Fog

Answer 30

D. Fog – Fog is not precipitation because it does not fall from the sky.

Question 31

What happens to water that soaks into the ground? A. It evaporates B. It becomes runoff C. It becomes groundwater D. It freezes

Answer 31

C. It becomes groundwater – Water that infiltrates becomes groundwater.

Question 32

What do we call the area where two air masses meet? A. Jet stream B. Front C. Storm center D. Pressure system

Answer 32

B. Front – A front is the boundary where air masses meet.

Question 33

What type of front causes thunderstorms followed by cooler weather? A. Warm front B. Cold front C. Stationary front D. Occluded front

Answer 33

B. Cold front – Cold fronts bring quick, heavy weather changes.

Question 34

Which front brings light rain followed by warmer weather? A. Cold front B. Warm front C. Stationary front D. Occluded front

Answer 34

B. Warm front – Warm fronts bring gentle rain and warmer temperatures.

Question 35

High-pressure systems usually bring: A. Storms B. Snow C. Clear skies D. Windy conditions

Answer 35

C. Clear skies – High pressure leads to dry, clear weather.

Question 36

What usually brings clouds and rain? A. High pressure B. Low pressure C. Jet stream D. Warm air masses

Answer 36

B. Low pressure – Rising air in low-pressure systems forms clouds and rain.

Question 37

What is a fast-moving river of air high above Earth? A. Ocean current B. Tornado C. Jet stream D. Cold front

Answer 37

C. Jet stream – These fast winds steer storms and fronts.

Question 38

Which type of heat transfer happens through space? A. Conduction B. Convection C. Radiation D. Insulation

Answer 38

C. Radiation – Heat travels through space by radiation.

Question 39

Heat transfer by direct contact is called: A. Radiation B. Conduction C. Convection D. Reflection

Answer 39

B. Conduction – Conduction occurs with direct contact.

Question 40

Which process moves heat in fluids by circulation? A. Conduction B. Radiation C. Absorption D. Convection

Answer 40

D. Convection – Warm air rises and cool air sinks in convection.

Question 41

What kind of breeze happens when cool air from the ocean moves inland during the day? A. Land breeze B. Sea breeze C. Jet stream D. Updraft

Answer 41

B. Sea breeze – Sea breezes happen due to uneven heating of land and water.

Question 42

Which breeze occurs at night when land cools faster than water? A. Jet breeze B. Sea breeze C. Land breeze D. Ocean draft

Answer 42

C. Land breeze – Cooler air moves from land to sea at night.

Question 43

Large bodies of air with similar characteristics are called: A. Storms B. Air masses C. Fronts D. Clouds

Answer 43

B. Air masses – These cover large areas with similar weather.

Question 44

What is the long-term average of weather called? A. Climate B. Weather C. Pressure D. Temperature

Answer 44

A. Climate – Climate describes long-term atmospheric patterns.

Question 45

The short-term state of the atmosphere is called: A. Climate B. Pressure C. Weather D. Season

Answer 45

C. Weather – Weather is the current condition of the atmosphere.

Question 46

What helps move weather systems across the planet? A. Jet stream B. Rainfall C. Earthquake waves D. Hurricanes

Answer 46

A. Jet stream – This high-altitude air current influences weather.

Question 47

What moves warm and cold water through the ocean? A. Wind currents B. Moon tides C. Ocean currents D. Pressure systems

Answer 47

C. Ocean currents – These transfer heat globally through water movement.

Question 48

What is released when fossil fuels are burned? A. Oxygen B. Nitrogen C. Greenhouse gases D. Hydrogen

Answer 48

C. Greenhouse gases – These trap heat and affect climate.

Question 49

Why are cities often warmer than rural areas? A. More trees B. The urban heat island effect C. Less pollution D. Ocean influence

Answer 49

B. The urban heat island effect – Cities retain heat due to buildings and roads.

Question 50

Increased evaporation due to global warming can cause: A. Droughts to disappear B. Stronger storms C. Less condensation D. Colder winters

Answer 50

B. Stronger storms – More moisture fuels more intense storms.