Rain and snow are a part of the water cycle. Which statement best describes their role in it? A) Both rain and snow are forms of precipitation, but rain evaporates more slowly. B) Both rain and snow are forms of precipitation, but rain generally rejoins groundwater faster than snow. C) Rain is a form of precipitation, but snow is a form of condensation so they are on different points of the water cycle. D) Snow is a form of precipitation, but rain is a form of transpiration so they are on different points of the water cycle
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B) Both rain and snow are forms of precipitation, but rain generally rejoins groundwater faster than snow.
Explanation:
Rain and snow are both crucial components of the water cycle, specifically falling under the category of precipitation. Precipitation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid or solid form, falling to the Earth’s surface. This can include rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions.
Rain forms when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere into liquid droplets, and these droplets fall to the Earth due to gravity. Rain generally occurs in warmer conditions, and it tends to reach the Earth’s surface in liquid form. Once rain hits the ground, it can be absorbed by the soil, flow into rivers and streams, or contribute to groundwater recharge. Rainwater that flows over the surface often takes a relatively short time to rejoin groundwater, as it infiltrates the soil or runs into nearby bodies of water.
Snow, on the other hand, forms when the temperature is low enough for water vapor to freeze into ice crystals in the atmosphere. These crystals accumulate and fall as snowflakes. When snow reaches the ground, it remains frozen until temperatures rise enough to melt it. Unlike rain, snow may take longer to rejoin groundwater because it has to first melt into liquid water, which then infiltrates the ground or contributes to surface water bodies.
The key difference in the timing of groundwater replenishment between rain and snow is that rain typically reaches the ground as liquid and quickly moves through the water cycle. In contrast, snow requires a change in temperature before it can contribute to groundwater, often making the process slower.
Thus, while both rain and snow are forms of precipitation, rain generally rejoins groundwater faster than snow, as it does not need to undergo a phase change from solid to liquid.
