The Flow of Energy in the Water Cycle Energy flows through the Earth's system in the water cycle in two ways-when water
changes state and when water moves from place to place. When water changes state, I
water molecules absorb energy from or release energy to their surroundings. For
example, water can evaporate when it absorbs energy from sunlight or from surrounding
air, water, or land. When water condenses to form clouds, the water molecules release
energy to the surrounding atmosphere.
As water moves, it transfers energy from one location to another. For example, as
a warm surface current in the ocean flows to a colder polar region, thermal energy from
the equator is transported toward Earth's poles. When the warm water reaches areas
where the air is colder, some energy in the warmer water is released into the cooler air.
These energy transfers between the ocean and the atmosphere greatly influence Earth's
weather and climate.
current
27. Imagine snow on top of a mountain. What are some ways energy could be
transferred as the seasons change? Choose all answers that apply.
A. Energy flows into the snow from sunlight.
B. Cold snow melt flows into the warmer lake.
C. Warmer air absorbs energy from snow.
D. Energy flows into the snow from warmer air.