Consider the following statements about the water cycle: 1. It is a one-way process where water flows from land to ocean only. 2. It maintains the supply of water on land. 3. It involves the conversion of saline ocean water into freshwater vapour. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It is a biogeochemical cycle that circulates water through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The water cycle is not a one-way process; it is a continuous circulation. Water evaporates from the oceans into the atmosphere, precipitates onto land, and flows back to the oceans via rivers and groundwater (runoff). It involves a bidirectional exchange between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. - Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the water cycle is to replenish freshwater resources on land. Through precipitation (rain and snow), water is returned to the land, maintaining rivers, lakes, soil moisture, and groundwater tables essential for terrestrial life. - Statement 3 is Correct. When water evaporates from the ocean, it changes from liquid to gas (water vapour). This process leaves dissolved salts and impurities behind in the ocean. Consequently, the water vapour generated is freshwater, which eventually condenses and falls as precipitation. Key Takeaway: The water cycle is a closed system that continuously recycles water, converting saline ocean water into freshwater vapour through evaporation and redistributing it to land via precipitation.

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

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Consider the following statements about the water cycle:

It is a one-way process where water flows from land to ocean only.
It maintains the supply of water on land.
It involves the conversion of saline ocean water into freshwater vapour.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It is a biogeochemical cycle that circulates water through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The water cycle is not a one-way process; it is a continuous circulation. Water evaporates from the oceans into the atmosphere, precipitates onto land, and flows back to the oceans via rivers and groundwater (runoff). It involves a bidirectional exchange between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the water cycle is to replenish freshwater resources on land. Through precipitation (rain and snow), water is returned to the land, maintaining rivers, lakes, soil moisture, and groundwater tables essential for terrestrial life.
Statement 3 is Correct. When water evaporates from the ocean, it changes from liquid to gas (water vapour). This process leaves dissolved salts and impurities behind in the ocean. Consequently, the water vapour generated is freshwater, which eventually condenses and falls as precipitation.

Key Takeaway: The water cycle is a closed system that continuously recycles water, converting saline ocean water into freshwater vapour through evaporation and redistributing it to land via precipitation.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

With reference to the process of evaporation in the water cycle, consider the following statements: 1. Evaporation of water can take place even in the shade. 2. Water vapour formed during evaporation carries dissolved salts with it into the atmosphere. 3. Warm air can provide the necessary heat for evaporation to occur in shaded areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which process explains the drying of a wet surface even in the absence of direct sunlight?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the loss of water by plants: 1. Plants release water into the air through the process of condensation. 2. Plants release a significant amount of water into the air. 3. Transpiration plays a role in adding water vapour to the atmosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the sources of water vapour in the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Water vapour is added to the air exclusively by the evaporation of water from oceans and lakes. 2. Evaporation from water bodies is a major source of water vapour in the air. 3. Transpiration by plants does not contribute to the water vapour in the air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the rate of evaporation: 1. Evaporation is generally a slow process. 2. Evaporation occurs at the same rate in sunlight and in the shade. 3. Heating water on a burner increases the rate of evaporation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The water cycle is not a one-way process; it is a continuous circulation. Water evaporates from the oceans into the atmosphere, precipitates onto land, and flows back to the oceans via rivers and groundwater (runoff). It involves a bidirectional exchange between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
Statement 2 is Correct. The primary function of the water cycle is to replenish freshwater resources on land. Through precipitation (rain and snow), water is returned to the land, maintaining rivers, lakes, soil moisture, and groundwater tables essential for terrestrial life.
Statement 3 is Correct. When water evaporates from the ocean, it changes from liquid to gas (water vapour). This process leaves dissolved salts and impurities behind in the ocean. Consequently, the water vapour generated is freshwater, which eventually condenses and falls as precipitation.