Which makes precipitation and runoff possible?(1 point)
Responses
radiant energy
radiant energy
groundwater
groundwater
gravity
gravity
vapor
vapor
The correct answer is: vapor
The correct answer is gravity. Gravity plays a crucial role in the water cycle by allowing precipitation and runoff to occur. Here's how you can arrive at this answer:
1. Understand the terms:
- Precipitation refers to the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and falls to the Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Runoff is the movement of water over the land surface, typically from precipitation, and ultimately flows into streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans.
2. Consider the options:
- Radiant energy: While it does play a role in the water cycle, particularly in the process of evaporation, it does not directly make precipitation and runoff possible. Eliminate this option.
- Groundwater: Groundwater is water that is stored and flows within underground aquifers. While it does contribute to the overall water cycle, it is not directly responsible for precipitation and runoff. Eliminate this option.
- Vapor: Vapor is water in its gaseous form, which eventually condenses to form clouds and precipitation. While it is an essential part of the water cycle, it does not make precipitation and runoff possible on its own. Eliminate this option.
3. Determine the correct answer:
- Gravity: Gravity plays a fundamental role in the water cycle. It causes precipitation to fall from the atmosphere to the surface of the Earth. Additionally, once precipitation occurs, gravity pulls the water downhill, allowing it to flow over the land as runoff, forming rivers, streams, and eventually reaching the ocean.
Therefore, the correct answer is gravity.