What is the water cycle and what role does the ocean play in it? In this student page, you will make observations of a simplified model of the water cycle in order to find out.
Part I
Start by observing the diagram of the water cycle. Based on your observations, define the following processes related to the water cycle. Underline or circle any of these processes that take place on or in the ocean.
1. Evaporation: 2. Transpiration: 3. Respiration: 4. Condensation: 5. Precipitation: 6. Infiltration: 7. Runoff: Two important aspects of the water cycle are missing from this illustration. What are they? Part II
Materials (for each group):
glass aquarium (the larger, the better for this experiment) 3 thermometers large, shallow bowl small graduated beaker
white paper towels or absorbent paper bright light source 4 or 5 Ziplock bags ice
water
food coloring colored pencils
Procedure: Day 1:
1. Spread out the absorbent paper over an area just larger than the size of the aquarium.
2. Set the large bowl at one end of the absorbent paper. In the center of the bowl, place the small graduated beaker. This will allow you to observe water evaporation.
3. Fill the small beaker up to a mark approximately half an inch below the rim of the bowl. Write this measure down for future reference. Now fill the bowl with water up to the same level. Add several drops of food coloring to this water so that it is easier to see the water as it moves through the aquarium.