Which process moves water from land into the atmosphere as vapor?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Runoff
• C. Evaporation
• D. Condensation

Answer: (C)

Evaporation is the process that moves water from land into the atmosphere as vapor. When the sun heats water from lakes, rivers, soil, or wet surfaces, some water molecules gain enough energy to break free from the surface and become water vapor that rises into the air. This is a key part of the water cycle, sending liquid water from land into the atmosphere so it can later cool and condense into clouds. Infiltration is when water soaks down into the soil, not into the air. Runoff is water flowing across the surface toward streams or rivers, not turning into vapor. Condensation is when water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid droplets, forming clouds, and it happens in the atmosphere rather than directly moving water from land into the air.