Question

activity: the water cycle
get the gizmo ready: select the simulation tab, and click reset
question: what are the parts of the water cycle?

1. collect data: create two water cycles using the gizmo. each cycle should have at least four steps and should begin and end at the same location. choose any starting point from the list on the right. when the cycle is complete, choose the path tab and write the steps below.

cycle 1:

cycle 2:

1. analyze: use the information presented in the gizmo to answer the following questions.

a. what percentage of earth’s water can be found in soil?

b. what percentage of earth’s water is stored in ice and snow?

c. what percentage of earth’s fresh water is stored in ice and snow?

d. what percentage of earth’s water is found in lakes?

e. what is transpiration? (hint: click the vegetation button.)

f. what human activity uses the most water worldwide?

g. what human activity uses the most water in the united states?

h. what organisms break down chemical wastes in a treatment plant?

i. what is an aquifer?

j. what is a reservoir?

k. in what ways can runoff be a problem?

(activity continued on next page)

Explanation:

A. Approximately 0.001% of Earth's water is in soil.
B. About 1.74% of Earth's water is stored in ice and snow.
C. Around 68.7% of Earth's fresh - water is stored in ice and snow.
D. About 0.007% of Earth's water is in lakes.
E. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.
F. Agriculture is the human activity that uses the most water worldwide.
G. Thermoelectric power generation uses the most water in the United States.
H. Bacteria break down chemical wastes in a treatment plant.
I. An aquifer is an underground layer of water - bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt).
J. A reservoir is a large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
K. Runoff can be a problem as it can cause soil erosion, carry pollutants into water bodies, and lead to flooding.

Answer:

A. Approximately 0.001%
B. About 1.74%
C. Around 68.7%
D. About 0.007%
E. The process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.
F. Agriculture
G. Thermoelectric power generation
H. Bacteria
I. An underground layer of water - bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt).
J. A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
K. It can cause soil erosion, carry pollutants into water bodies, and lead to flooding.