Water Cycle Interactions Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Water cycle diagram showing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation

🌊 Part 1: Water Cycle Knowledge

1. Which Earth sphere contains all the water on our planet?

Atmosphere

Hydrosphere

Geosphere

Biosphere

2. What happens during evaporation?

Water vapor turns into liquid water

Liquid water turns into water vapor

Water falls from clouds

Water soaks into the ground

3. Which processes move water FROM the atmosphere back to Earth's surface? (Check all that apply)

Rain

Snow

Evaporation

Hail

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct water cycle terms:

When the sun heats water in lakes and oceans, _____________ occurs. The water vapor rises and cools, causing _____________ to form clouds. Eventually, _____________ brings the water back to Earth's surface.

5. What is the difference between runoff and infiltration?

📖 Part 2: Reading and Analysis

Read the passage below and answer questions 6-8:

The water cycle connects all four of Earth's spheres. Water from the hydrosphere (oceans, lakes, rivers) evaporates into the atmosphere. Plants in the biosphere also release water vapor through their leaves. In the atmosphere, water vapor condenses around tiny particles from the geosphere (like dust) to form clouds. When precipitation falls, it interacts with the geosphere by creating rivers, filling underground aquifers, and weathering rocks. Some water is absorbed by plants in the biosphere, continuing the endless cycle.

6. According to the passage, how do plants contribute to the water cycle?

They absorb all the rainwater

They release water vapor through their leaves

They create clouds in the sky

They prevent evaporation

7. What role does the geosphere play in cloud formation?

8. Explain how the water cycle connects at least three of Earth's spheres. Use evidence from the passage.

🎨 Part 3: Diagram and Sequencing

9. In the box below, draw and label a simple water cycle diagram. Include these labels: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection, runoff, and infiltration.

10. Number the following water cycle steps in the correct order (1-6):

_____ Water vapor cools and condenses into clouds

_____ Rain falls from clouds to Earth's surface

_____ Water collects in oceans, lakes, and rivers

_____ Some water soaks into the ground (infiltration)

_____ Sun heats water, causing evaporation

_____ Some water flows over land as runoff

11. A puddle disappears after a sunny day. Which two Earth spheres are interacting in this process?

12. Predict what would happen to the water cycle if there were no plants on Earth. Explain your reasoning.