Science-water cycle

Explain what processes/conditions increase the rate of evaporation on Earth.

As temperature increases so does the process of evaporation. In addition the moisture holding capacity of the atmosphere increases with temperature.

what causes water vapor in the atmosphere to condense.

Condensation is the change of water from its gaseous form (water vapor) into liquid water. Condensation generally occurs in the atmosphere when warm air rises, cools and looses its capacity to hold water vapor. As a result, excess water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets.

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

Condensation

The change of state from a gas to a liquid

how high and low relative humidity relate to the difference between air's temperature and dew point.

The difference between the dew point temperature and the actual temperature is related to RELATIVE HUMIDITY. When the temperature is cooled to the dewpoint then the relative humidity is 100%. ... The higher the dew point temperature, the greater the amount of water vapor is present (source for clouds

relative humidity

The percentage of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor that air can contain at a particular temperature

Describe the 3 factors necessary for cloud formation

Three things are necessary for clouds in the atmosphere to form: Moisture - There must be sufficient water vapor in the air for a cloud to form. Cooling air - The air temperature must decrease enough for water vapor to condense.

Precipitation

rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.

dew point

the temperature at which the water vapor in the air becomes saturated and condensation begins

What processes in the water cycle add water vapor to the atmosphere

water vapor gets into the atmosphere from plants by a process called transpiration. Because air is cooler at higher altitude in the troposphere, water vapor cools as it rises high in the atmosphere and transforms into water droplets by a process called condensation. The water droplets that form make up clouds.