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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the primary driving force behind the water cycle on Earth?
A
Solar energy from the Sun
B
Gravity from the Moon
C
Wind currents in the atmosphere
D
Earth's magnetic field
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the water cycle: The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Identify the primary driving force: The water cycle is powered by energy that causes water to change states (liquid, gas, solid). This energy must come from an external source.
Analyze the options: Solar energy from the Sun provides the heat necessary for evaporation, which is a key process in the water cycle. Gravity from the Moon influences tides but does not drive the water cycle. Wind currents in the atmosphere help distribute water vapor but are not the primary driving force. Earth's magnetic field does not play a role in the water cycle.
Connect solar energy to evaporation: Solar energy heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing it to evaporate into the atmosphere as water vapor. This is the starting point of the water cycle.
Conclude: Solar energy from the Sun is the primary driving force behind the water cycle because it provides the energy required for evaporation and other processes in the cycle.