Water Cycle

Question 1

What is the water cycle?

Answer 1

The movement of water from land and sea to the air and back again by the processes of evaporating, condensing, freezing and melting.

The water cycle is a continuous process that is essential for sustaining life on Earth.

Question 2

Define condensation in the context of the water cycle.

Answer 2

The process in which water vapour (a gas) in the air turns into liquid water.

Condensing water forms clouds in the sky.

Question 3

What is evaporation?

Answer 3

The process in which liquid water becomes water vapour (a gas).

Water evaporates from the surfaces of oceans and lakes; from the surface of the land and from melting snow.

Question 4

What is precipitation?

Answer 4

The process in which water (in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falls from clouds in the sky.

Precipitation is a key component of the water cycle.

Question 5

What does runoff refer to?

Answer 5

Rain, snow melt, or other water that flows in underground streams, drains, or sewers; or water that flows in surface (above ground) streams, rivers, or canals.

Runoff is crucial for replenishing rivers and lakes.

Question 6

Define transpiration.

Answer 6

The process in which some water from plants evaporates into the air.

Water is first taken in by the plant’s roots, then later exits by evaporating through pores in the plant.

Question 7

What is accumulation in the water cycle?

Answer 7

The process in which water pools (groups) in large bodies, like oceans, seas and lakes.

Accumulation is an important stage for storing water within the cycle.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Water changes state in the water cycle by _______.

Answer 8

[evaporating, condensing, freezing, and melting]

Question 9

True or False: Water in the water cycle can only exist in liquid form.

Answer 9

False

Water exists in all three states: liquid, gas, and solid.