Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
From which of the following locations does most of Earth's water evaporation occur?
A
Oceans
B
Lakes
C
Glaciers
D
Rivers
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evaporation: Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor. It primarily occurs when water is exposed to heat and air movement.
Consider the distribution of Earth's water: The majority of Earth's water is stored in oceans, which cover about 71% of the Earth's surface. Oceans contain approximately 97% of Earth's total water.
Analyze the surface area of each option: Oceans have the largest surface area compared to lakes, glaciers, and rivers. A larger surface area allows for more water molecules to evaporate into the atmosphere.
Factor in the availability of heat and wind: Oceans are exposed to significant amounts of solar energy and wind, which are key drivers of evaporation. These conditions are less prevalent in smaller bodies of water like lakes and rivers or in frozen water like glaciers.
Conclude that oceans are the primary source of Earth's water evaporation due to their vast surface area, abundant water supply, and exposure to heat and wind.