Which step in the water cycle occurs when water from surfaces turns into vapor?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Evaporation
• C. Recharge
• D. Transpiration

Answer: (B)

The step in the water cycle where water from surfaces transforms into vapor is evaporation. During this process, liquid water from various surfaces such as lakes, rivers, soil, and even plants is heated by solar energy, causing it to become water vapor and rise into the atmosphere. This process plays a vital role in the hydrological cycle as it contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Infiltration involves water soaking into the ground, recharge refers to the replenishment of groundwater supplies, and transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves. These processes are all integral to the water cycle, but they do not pertain to the direct conversion of liquid water into vapor as effectively as evaporation does. Understanding the distinct roles of these processes underscores the dynamics of the water cycle and the importance of each step in maintaining ecological balance.