What is the hydrologic cycle?

The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, refers to the continuous movement of water through the environment in various forms, including liquid, vapor, and ice. This cycle encompasses several processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. Water evaporates from bodies of water, transpires from plants, and rises into the atmosphere where it cools and forms clouds. Eventually, it returns to the surface as precipitation in the form of rain or snow, replenishing water sources and soil moisture.

Understanding the hydrologic cycle is crucial for recognizing how water is distributed and recycled in the environment, affecting ecosystems, climate, and human activities. This cycle is integral to maintaining a balance in the environment, influencing weather patterns and the availability of fresh water, which is essential for life.

The other options do not accurately represent the hydrologic cycle; soil formation and degradation pertain more to soil science, the migration of aquatic animals relates to wildlife behavior, and urban agriculture deals with food production in cities. Each of these topics is significant but does not define the interconnected processes of water movement that characterize the hydrologic cycle.