AP Environmental Science : Water Cycle

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Biochemical Cycles

 

The hydrolytic cycle is driven by which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Rain

Oceans

Solar energy

Atmosphere

Rivers

Correct answer:

Solar energy

Explanation:

The water cycle remains in the form of water throughout the cycle. The major reservoir of water is the ocean. The water cycle is driven by solar energy which evaporates water, and by gravity, which draws water back to Earth in the form of precipitation from water vapor in the atmosphere.

Example Question #1 : Water Cycle

Which answer choice a pair of terms that are the most similar in reference to the water cycle? 

Possible Answers:

Condensation and percolation

Precipitation and percolation

Transpiration and evaporation

Precipitation and runoff

Correct answer:

Transpiration and evaporation

Explanation:

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plants. Both terms can be defined as the conversion of liquid water on Earth into atmospheric water vapor. Condensation is the formation of clouds from water vapor. Precipitation is the release of water from clouds down towards the earth in the form of rain, hail, sleet or snow. Percolation is the seeping of water through the ground into groundwater sources like aquifers. Runoff is excess water on the superficial soil layers that cannot percolate into the ground. 

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