5.8B
Explain how the sun and the ocean interact in the water cycle.

STAAR 2013 #15; RC 3; Supporting
1. Which of the following events in the water cycle is an example of solar energy being absorbed?
A. Water vapor condensing to form clouds
B. Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean
C. Rain freezing as it falls toward the ground
D. Clouds releasing precipitation over a mountain

STAAR 2013 #15; RC 3; Supporting
1. Which of the following events in the water cycle is an example of solar energy being absorbed ?
A. Water vapor condensing to form clouds
B. Water evaporating from the surface of an ocean
C. Rain freezing as it falls toward the ground
D. Clouds releasing precipitation over a mountain

STAAR 2013 #28; RC 3; Supporting; 5.3C F
2. The diagram of the stages in the water cycle is shown below.
Evaporation L
N
Precipitation
Which of these observations would most likely be seen at Stage
N?
F. Water flowing downhill
G. Fog forming along a highway
H. The water level of a lake decreasing
J. Dark clouds forming in the sky

STAAR 2013 #28; RC 3; Supporting; 5.3C F
2. The diagram of the stages in the water cycle is shown below.
Evaporation L
N
Precipitation
Which of these observations would most likely be seen at Stage
N?
F. Water flowing downhill
G. Fog forming along a highway
H. The water level of a lake decreasing
J. Dark clouds forming in the sky

M.S. ?’s
3. Which habitat on Earth would probably add the greatest amount of water to the water cycle through evaporation?
A Cold lake
B Desert sand
C Warm ocean
D Mountain rock

3. Which habitat on Earth would probably add the greatest amount of water to the water cycle through evaporation?
A Cold lake
B Desert sand
C Warm ocean
D Mountain rock

4. What is the main reason for the formation of wind on a coastline?
A The land heats and cools more slowly than water.
B The land heats and cools more quickly than water.
C Wind moves more easily over water than land.
D Wind moves more easily over land than water.

4. What is the main reason for the formation of wind on a coastline ?
A The land heats and cools more slowly than water.
B The land heats and cools more quickly than water.
C Wind moves more easily over water than land.
D Wind moves more easily over land than water.

M.S. ?’s
5. Students conduct an outdoor field investigation to learn what causes water to evaporate. What is a safety precaution students must follow during the outdoor investigation?
A. wear goggles
B. wear aprons
C. do not look directly at the sun
D. record all observations in science notebooks

5. Students conduct an outdoor field investigation to learn what causes water to evaporate. What is a safety precaution students must follow during the outdoor investigation?
A. wear goggles
B. wear aprons
C. do not look directly at the sun
D. record all observations in science notebooks

6. Which of the following best describes one way the sun interacts with the ocean in the water cycle?
A. The sun reflects off the ocean, causing the development of waves.
B. The ocean absorbs the heat from the sun which influences marine life.
C. The sun heats the water in the ocean, creating tides.
D. The sun heats the water in the ocean, causing the water to evaporate.

6. Which of the following best describes one way the sun interacts with the ocean in the water cycle?
A. The sun reflects off the ocean, causing the development of waves.
B. The ocean absorbs the heat from the sun which influences marine life.
C. The sun heats the water in the ocean, creating tides.
D. The sun heats the water in the ocean, causing the water to evaporate.

7. In the water cycle, which of these best describes the sun’s role in relation to the ocean?
A. Powers the water in a continuous cycle
B. Energizes the water to provide life for marine plants
C. Provides heat to keep the water temperatures very warm
D. Forms clouds from excess overflow along the shoreline

7. In the water cycle, which of these best describes the sun’s role in relation to the ocean ?
A. Powers the water in a continuous cycle
B. Energizes the water to provide life for marine plants
C. Provides heat to keep the water temperatures very warm
D. Forms clouds from excess overflow along the shoreline

8. What happens to the water that does not fall into oceans or other water sources when it rains?
A. the water instantly evaporates
B. the water sinks into the ground to form ground water
C. the water stays in puddles forever
D. all water which does not land in oceans falls in lakes, river, and ponds

8. What happens to the water that does not fall into oceans or other water sources when it rains?
A. the water instantly evaporates
B. the water sinks into the ground to form ground water
C. the water stays in puddles forever
D. all water which does not land in oceans falls in lakes, river, and ponds

9. Students are exploring how water changes state in the water cycle through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
They notice that the sun heats the ocean, changing into a gas.
It then enters the atmosphere where the temperature decreases and it changes back into a liquid. Based on the information given, the students are making –
A. a hypothesis
B. a prediction
C. an observation
D. a data table

9. Students are exploring how water changes state in the water cycle through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
They notice that the sun heats the ocean, changing into a gas.
It then enters the atmosphere when the temperature decreases and it changes back into a liquid. Based on the information given, the students are making –
A. a hypothesis
B. a prediction
C. an observation
D. a data table

10. Hydrologists are scientists who study the flow of water in the water cycle. Which of the following is another name for the water cycle?
A. Life cycle
B. Lunar cycle
C. Carbon-dioxide cycle
D. Hydrologic cycle

10. Hydrologists are scientists who study the flow of water in the water cycle. Which of the following is another name for the water cycle?
A. Life cycle
B. Lunar cycle
C. Carbon-dioxide cycle
D. Hydrologic cycle (hydro = water)

11. The teacher instructed students to take precautions during this water cycle investigation by using—
A. goggles & insulated gloves
B. a science notebook and a thermometer
C. goggles and a science notebook
D. insulated gloves and a thermometer

11. The teacher instructed students to take precautions during this water cycle investigation by using—
A. goggles & insulated gloves
B. a science notebook and a thermometer
C. goggles and a science notebook
D. insulated gloves and a thermometer

12. Which part of this water cycle demonstration models the sun heating the ocean water?
A. boiling water
B. metal pot
C. hot plate
D. metal handle

12. Which part of this water cycle demonstration models the sun heating the ocean water?
A. boiling water
B. metal pot
C. hot plate
D. metal handle

13. Earth is sometimes called the “Blue Planet” because ¾ of
Earth is covered with water. Why is water conservation important when such a large portion of our planet contains water?
A. Much of the available water on Earth’s surface is contained in the ocean, and is lost to evaporation.
B. Clouds in the atmosphere hold the majority of Earth’s water
C. Only 1% of Earth’s water is fresh water.
D. The polar ice caps are melting

13. Earth is sometimes called the “Blue Planet” because ¾ of
Earth is covered with water. Why is water conservation important when such a large portion of our planet contains water?
A. Much of the available water on Earth’s surface is contained in the ocean, and is lost to evaporation.
B. Clouds in the atmosphere hold the majority of Earth’s water
C. Only 1% of Earth’s water is fresh water.
D. The polar ice caps are melting

14. Which of the following processes must take place in order for clouds to form?
A Condensation
B Transpiration
C Precipitation
D Evaporation

14. Which of the following processes must take place in order for clouds to form ?
A Condensation
B Transpiration
C Precipitation
D Evaporation

16. Springfield, Missouri, and San Francisco, California, are at similar latitudes, but they have very different climates. Springfield has very hot summers and cold winters, while San Francisco has about the same temperatures all year. What is the most likely reason the two cities have such different climates?
A The amount of sunlight each city receives
B The distance of each city from an ocean
C The elevation above sea level of each city
D The distance of each city from the equator

16. Springfield, Missouri, and San Francisco, California, are at similar latitudes, but they have very different climates. Springfield has very hot summers and cold winters, while San Francisco has about the same temperatures all year. What is the most likely reason the two cities have such different climates ?
A The amount of sunlight each city receives
B The distance of each city from an ocean
C The elevation above sea level of each city
D The distance of each city from the equator

17. Sleet and hail are both forms of—
A clouds
B energy
C evaporation
D precipitation

17. Sleet and hail are both forms of—
A clouds
B energy
C evaporation
D precipitation

18. Which statement correctly describes a water cycle process?
A Evaporation can occur when water gains energy from the sun and changes into water vapor.
B Condensation can occur when liquid water drops in clouds lose energy and fall to the Earth.
C Transpiration can occur when water vapor gains energy and moves higher into the atmosphere.
D Precipitation can occur when water vapor loses energy and forms liquid water droplets in clouds.

18. Which statement correctly describes a water cycle process?
A Evaporation can occur when water gains energy from the sun and changes into water vapor.
B Condensation can occur when liquid water drops in clouds lose energy and fall to the Earth. (precipitation)
C Transpiration can occur when water vapor gains energy and moves higher into the atmosphere.
(evaporation)
D Precipitation can occur when water vapor loses energy and forms liquid water droplets in clouds. (condensation)

19. Why is the water cycle vital to plants and animals living on land?
F Evaporation from rivers and lakes adds fresh water to the oceans through condensation.
G Groundwater is replaced by saltwater from the oceans after many days in the air.
H Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to reduce evaporation from lakes and rivers.
J Precipitation replaces fresh water lost from rivers and lakes because of evaporation.

19. Why is the water cycle vital to plants and animals living on land ?
F Evaporation from rivers and lakes adds fresh water to the oceans through condensation.
G Groundwater is replaced by saltwater from the oceans after many days in the air.
H Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to reduce evaporation from lakes and rivers.
J Precipitation replaces fresh water lost from rivers and lakes because of evaporation.

20. Which of these cycles MOST directly affects the weather on the Earth?
A The sugar cycle
B The nitrogen cycle
C The carbon cycle
D The water cycle

20. Which of these cycles MOST directly affects the weather on the Earth?
A The sugar cycle
B The nitrogen cycle
C The carbon cycle
D The water cycle

21. Which of the following is most responsible for maintaining the conditions needed to support life on the Earth?
A The shape of Earth’s orbit
B The monthly lunar phases
C Its distance from the sun
D Its number of sunny days

21. Which of the following is most responsible for maintaining the conditions needed to support life on the Earth?
A The shape of Earth’s orbit
B The monthly lunar phases
C Its distance from the sun
D Its number of sunny days

22. After a heavy rain, you may see puddles on the sidewalk. A few hours later, the puddles have evaporated due to heat. What is the source of the heat that causes the water to evaporate?
A The sun
B The air
C The water
D The clouds

22. After a heavy rain, you may see puddles on the sidewalk. A few hours later, the puddles have evaporated due to heat. What is the source of the heat that causes the water to evaporate?
A The sun
B The air
C The water
D The clouds

23. Solar energy heats the air on the Earth’s surface, causing warm air to rise and cool air to sink. Which of the following does this process create?
A Rain
B Storms
C Thunder
D Wind

23. Solar energy heats the air on the Earth’s surface, causing warm air to rise and cool air to sink . Which of the following does this process create?
A Rain
B Storms
C Thunder
D Wind

24. How does the sun affect the winds on the Earth?
A It causes evaporation of water.
B It changes the air temperature.
C It provides food for green plants.
D It warms the magma inside the earth.

24. How does the sun affect the winds on the Earth?
A It causes evaporation of water.
B It changes the air temperature.
C It provides food for green plants.
D It warms the magma inside the earth.

25. Where does water in a lake get most of its energy to evaporate?
A The sun heating the lake
B Green plants living in the lake
C Streams entering the lake
D Cold springs under the lake

25. Where does water in a lake get most of its energy to evaporate ?
A The sun heating the lake
B Green plants living in the lake
C Streams entering the lake
D Cold springs under the lake

26. What process involves water vapor forming droplets that form clouds?
A Condensation
B Respiration
C Transpiration
D Evaporation

26. What process involves water vapor forming droplets that form clouds ?
A Condensation
B Respiration
C Transpiration
D Evaporation

27. In the water cycle, water is returned to the surface of the Earth through –
A evaporation
B deposition
C precipitation
D condensation

27. In the water cycle, water is returned to the surface of the Earth through –
A evaporation
B deposition
C precipitation
D condensation

28. As water moves through the water cycle, it may become –
A A solid
B A liquid
C A gas
D All of the above

28. As water moves through the water cycle, it may become –
A A solid
B A liquid
C A gas
D All of the above

29. What do we call the process that changes water vapor to liquid water?
A Condensation
B Evaporation
C Accumulation
D Precipitation

29. What do we call the process that changes water vapor to liquid water ?
A Condensation
B Evaporation
C Accumulation
D Precipitation

30. Water vapor exists in the atmosphere as—
A a visible gas
B a visible liquid
C an invisible gas
D an invisible liquid

30. Water vapor exists in the atmosphere as—
A a visible gas
B a visible liquid
C an invisible gas
D an invisible liquid

31. The amount of heat energy in the Earth’s atmosphere is referred to as—
A Humidity
B Temperature
C Altitude
D Air pressure

31. The amount of heat energy in the Earth’s atmosphere is referred to as—
A Humidity
B Temperature
C Altitude
D Air pressure

32. When water vapor changes into liquid water, the process is called—
A Precipitation
B Accumulation
C Condensation
D Evaporation

32. When water vapor changes into liquid water , the process is called—
A Precipitation
B Accumulation
C Condensation
D Evaporation

33. The water cycle is a continuous process that takes place over and over. The water we use today is the same water that has been on the Earth since the beginning of the Earth itself.
Plants, human beings, animals and changes in the environment are constantly putting the water back into the water cycle.
What might happen if the cycle were broken and used water could not return to the water cycle?
A The Earth would flood all the time.
B The Earth would get colder and colder.
C All life would end due to the lack of water.
D The water cycle would continue as it is.

33. The water cycle is a continuous process that takes place over and over. The water we use today is the same water that has been on the Earth since the beginning of the Earth itself.
Plants, human beings, animals and changes in the environment are constantly putting the water back into the water cycle.
What might happen if the cycle were broken and used water could not return to the water cycle?
A The Earth would flood all the time.
B The Earth would get colder and colder.
C All life would end due to the lack of water.
D The water cycle would continue as it is.

34. What part of the water cycle would be most affected by an increase in surface air temperature?
A Accumulation
B Precipitation
C Evaporation
D Condensation

34. What part of the water cycle would be most affected by an increase in surface air temperature ?
A Accumulation
B Precipitation
C Evaporation
D Condensation

35. The water cycle is —
A an example of how carbon is cycled from dead animals to fossil fuels
B a symbol used on a weather map to show the location of tropical storms
C the continuous cycle of movement of water between the air and the ground
D the cycle of water breaking down igneous rocks to form sedimentary rocks

35. The water cycle is —
A an example of how carbon is cycled from dead animals to fossil fuels
B a symbol used on a weather map to show the location of tropical storms
C the continuous cycle of movement of water between the air and the ground
D the cycle of water breaking down igneous rocks to form sedimentary rocks

36. During most of the year, the air over Houston, Texas, contains a high amount of moisture called humidity. Which of the following BEST explains why there is a high amount of moisture in the air?
A Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico.
B Houston is at a low elevation.
C Houston is near many mountains.
D Houston is not too far from the equator.

36. During most of the year, the air over Houston, Texas, contains a high amount of moisture called humidity. Which of the following BEST explains why there is a high amount of moisture in the air ?
A Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico.
B Houston is at a low elevation.
C Houston is near many mountains.
D Houston is not too far from the equator.

37. Which of the following is NOT an example of condensation?
A Frost on a window
B Fog forming at night
C Dew on the grass in the morning
D Puddles forming on the sidewalk when it rains

37. Which of the following is NOT an example of condensation ?
A Frost on a window
B Fog forming at night
C Dew on the grass in the morning
D Puddles forming on the sidewalk when it rains

38. Which of the following allows water to move from Earth’s surface back into the air?
A Gravity
B Weathering
C Condensation
D Evaporation

38. Which of the following allows water to move from Earth’s surface back into the air ?
A Gravity
B Weathering
C Condensation
D Evaporation

2004—#12 (67%)
39. The energy that causes seawater to form water vapor comes from —
F the clouds
G underwater mountains
H chemical reactions in the sea
J the sun

2004—#12 (67%)
39. The energy that causes seawater to form water vapor comes from —
F the clouds
G underwater mountains
H chemical reactions in the sea
J the sun

2004—#4 (96%)
40. On a warm day water was accidentally spilled onto a metal tabletop. Later in the day, the water was gone. The most likely explanation is that someone wiped the water up or that —
J
F germs drank the water
G the table absorbed the water
H all the water spilled onto the floor the water evaporated into the air

2004—#4 (96%)
40. On a warm day water was accidentally spilled onto a metal tabletop. Later in the day, the water was gone. The most likely explanation is that someone wiped the water up or that —
J
F germs drank the water
G the table absorbed the water
H all the water spilled onto the floor the water evaporated into the air

2006—#28 (77%)
41. Which of these supplies the energy that drives the water cycle?
F The sun
G The planets
H The oceans
J The moon

2006—#28 (77%)
41. Which of these supplies the energy that drives the water cycle?
F The sun
G The planets
H The oceans
J The moon

42. What forms of energy are provided by our sun?
A Solar, light, heat, geothermal
B Solar, light, electrical
C Solar, heat, geothermal
D Solar, light, heat

42. What forms of energy are provided by our sun ?
A Solar, light, heat, geothermal
B Solar, light, electrical
C Solar, heat, geothermal
D Solar, light, heat

43. Which of the following would best model how the sun’s energy warms the Earth?
A A hair dryer blowing warm air
B A pan of hot milk on the stove
C A terrarium light keeping plants warm
D A teacup conducting heat from the hot tea inside it

43. Which of the following would best model how the sun’s energy warms the Earth ?
A A hair dryer blowing warm air
B A pan of hot milk on the stove
C A terrarium light keeping plants warm
D A teacup conducting heat from the hot tea inside it

44. As water moves through the water cycle, it may become –
A A solid
B A liquid
C A gas
D All of the above

44. As water moves through the water cycle, it may become –
A A solid
B A liquid
C A gas
D All of the above

45. In which location on the diagram is water changing from a liquid to a gas?
A A
B B
C C
D D

45. In which location on the diagram is water changing from a liquid to a gas ?
A A
B B
C C
D D