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Earth's Subsystems: Mastery Test
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Select the correct answer.
The Sun is the primary source of energy that drives all the blogeochemical cycles on Earth. Which statement best describes how the Sun's energy
powers the water cycle?
A
Plants require energy from the Sun to perform photosynthesis.
B.
The Sun's heat reflects office sheets near the polar caps, reducing the overall temperature of Earth.
C. Heat from the Sun drives evaporation, turning water on Earth's surface into water vapor.
D. Energy from the Sun provides the warmth necessary for cold blooded animals to survive.
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The water cycle is powered by heat from the Sun that allows water to change phase. Solar heating causes surface water to evaporate and join the atmosphere as water vapor. The water vapor then condenses to form clouds and, depending on the height of the clouds and the latitude, falls as solid or liquid precipitation back to the surface.

Without solar heating, all the water on Earth would freeze solid and there would be no atmosphere or rain.