Energy Moves Water Practice Test

A student uses a model with labeled energy sources:

• Ocean → Clouds: evaporation (Sun’s energy)
• Clouds → Land surface: precipitation (gravity)
• Land surface → Rivers: runoff (gravity)
• Rivers → Ocean: river flow (gravity)
• Land surface → Groundwater: infiltration (gravity)
• Groundwater → Rivers: discharge (gravity) The model also states: “Energy enables movement but does not create water.”

Which claim is not supported by the model?

Use the model below of water moving through Earth’s systems. Energy sources are labeled: Sun’s energy and gravity.

Model (arrows show movement):

• Ocean → Clouds (evaporation) — driven by Sun’s energy
• Clouds → Land surface (precipitation) — driven by gravity
• Land surface → Rivers (runoff) — driven by gravity
• Rivers → Ocean (river flow) — driven by gravity
• Land surface → Groundwater (infiltration/percolation) — driven by gravity
• Groundwater → Rivers (seepage) — driven by gravity

Remember: energy enables movement of water but does not create water.

Which energy source mainly drives the movement of water from the ocean to the clouds in this model?