10
QuizMultiple Choice

The Water Cycle — Quiz

Question 10 • Earth and Space Science

Assume that climate warming increases evaporation energy in Inland Y but surface water remains scarce in the region. What will be the most likely effect on precipitation?

Answer
A
Precipitation will remain unchanged because precipitation is unrelated to energy transformations.
B
Precipitation will decrease because less energy is available for condensation to occur.
C
Precipitation will increase because more water vapor is stored in the atmosphere.
D
Precipitation will remain limited because there is insufficient moisture to condense into rain.

Explanation

Warming can provide more energy for evaporation, but evaporation also requires available surface water. Since surface water remains scarce in Inland Y, little additional water vapor enters the atmosphere to condense and form precipitation. Therefore, precipitation will most likely remain limited because there is insufficient moisture.

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