Which statement correctly describes the hydrologic cycle?

Which statement correctly describes the hydrologic cycle?

• A. The molecular formula HO2.
• B. Groundwater is located above the earth's surface and tapped by wells.
• C. The hydrologic cycle is the natural exchange of water between the earth and the atmosphere.
• D. Future water supplies will become more plentiful according to the TCEQ.

Answer: (C)

Understanding the hydrologic cycle means recognizing that water is in perpetual movement between the Earth and the atmosphere. This cycle includes processes like evaporation from oceans and soil, condensation into clouds, precipitation back to the surface, and then runoff, infiltration into the ground, and plant transpiration. All these steps connect oceans, rivers, lakes, soils, groundwater, and the atmosphere into one system, powered by solar energy and gravity. That idea—water continually exchanging between the Earth and the atmosphere—best describes the hydrologic cycle. The other statements don’t fit because one mentions an unrelated chemical formula, another places groundwater above the surface (it’s largely underground), and the last talks about future water supplies rather than the cycle itself.

Understanding the hydrologic cycle means recognizing that water is in perpetual movement between the Earth and the atmosphere. This cycle includes processes like evaporation from oceans and soil, condensation into clouds, precipitation back to the surface, and then runoff, infiltration into the ground, and plant transpiration. All these steps connect oceans, rivers, lakes, soils, groundwater, and the atmosphere into one system, powered by solar energy and gravity. That idea—water continually exchanging between the Earth and the atmosphere—best describes the hydrologic cycle. The other statements don’t fit because one mentions an unrelated chemical formula, another places groundwater above the surface (it’s largely underground), and the last talks about future water supplies rather than the cycle itself.