Which of the following best identifies a key component of the hydrologic cycle that powers the movement of water and is missing from the diagram?

Which of the following best identifies a key component of the hydrologic cycle that powers the movement of water and is missing from the diagram?

The key component of the hydrologic cycle that powers the movement of water and is missing from the diagram is the sun.

The sun's energy drives the evaporation of water from the surface of the Earth. Evaporation is the process by which water is converted from a liquid to a gas. The water vapor then rises into the atmosphere, where it cools and condenses to form clouds. Precipitation, such as rain, snow, and hail, falls from the clouds and returns to the Earth's surface.

The sun's energy also powers the transpiration of water from plants. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

The sun is essential for the movement of water through the hydrologic cycle. Without the sun's energy, water would not evaporate from the Earth's surface, and there would be no precipitation.

The other components of the hydrologic cycle shown in the diagram are:

• Precipitation: Rain, snow, hail, and other forms of water that fall from the atmosphere.

• Infiltration: The process by which water soaks into the ground.

• Runoff: The process by which water flows over the surface of the Earth.

• Storage: Water that is stored in lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater aquifers.

The hydrologic cycle is a continuous process that circulates water throughout the Earth's system. It is essential for life on Earth.