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 forms of precipitation, which is the stage in the water cycle when water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface in liquid or solid form. Precipitation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into droplets or crystals.
Rain is liquid precipitation, formed when the temperature in the clouds is above freezing, allowing water vapor to condense into droplets that grow larger and fall to the ground. Once it reaches the Earth’s surface, rain can either flow over the ground, replenishing rivers and lakes, or it can seep into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies. Since rain is liquid, it generally soaks into the soil more quickly, particularly in areas where the ground is permeable.
Snow, on the other hand, is frozen precipitation that forms when the temperature in the clouds is below freezing. Snowflakes are created from ice crystals that grow as they move through the colder parts of the atmosphere. When snow reaches the ground, it may not immediately soak into the soil, especially in cold climates where the ground remains frozen. Instead, snow can accumulate on the surface until it melts due to warmer temperatures or sunlight. Because it is solid and requires more energy to melt before it can seep into the ground, snow tends to rejoin groundwater more slowly compared to rain.
Both rain and snow are vital components of the water cycle as they help distribute water across different regions, providing necessary hydration to ecosystems, filling reservoirs, and maintaining groundwater levels. However, the time it takes for the water to infiltrate the ground or flow into bodies of water differs between rain and snow due to their respective physical states and the conditions of the environment.
