What is not part of the water cycle?
A. Precipitation
B. Erosion
C. Evaporation
D. Condensation
B. Erosion
The answer is B. Erosion. Erosion is the process of wearing away the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice and is not directly part of the water cycle. The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
To determine what is not part of the water cycle, we need to understand the different stages of the water cycle. The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again. The stages of the water cycle are precipitation, evaporation, condensation, and collection.
Precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually through the influence of heat. Condensation is the opposite of evaporation; it is the process by which water vapor cools and changes from a gas back to a liquid. Finally, collection refers to the accumulation of water on the Earth's surface in bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Based on this information, the answer to the question is B. Erosion. Erosion refers to the process of soil and rock particles being worn away from the Earth's surface by wind, water, or ice. While erosion can be influenced by water, it is not a direct stage of the water cycle. Erosion is a separate geological process that occurs due to external forces.
In summary, the correct answer is B. Erosion, as it is not part of the water cycle.