NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

mcqeasy

In the context of the hydrological cycle, the "circulation of water" primarily describes the continuous movement of water between:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABiotic and abiotic components only.
BThe oceans and the land masses.
CFreshwater bodies and groundwater aquifers.
DThe atmosphere and the lithosphere only.

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

The oceans and the land masses.

Explanation

The hydrological cycle (water cycle) is the continuous circulation of water within the Earth's hydrosphere. It is driven by solar energy and involves the exchange of water between the oceans, the atmosphere, and the land (lithosphere) through processes such as evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Statement-wise Analysis

The oceans and the land masses.: Correct. The hydrological cycle is primarily defined as the global exchange of water between the oceans (the largest reservoir) and the land masses. Water evaporates from the oceans, is transported by the atmosphere, precipitates over land, and returns to the oceans via surface runoff and groundwater flow, completing the circulation.
The atmosphere and the lithosphere only.: Incorrect. This option excludes the oceans, which hold approximately 97% of the Earth's water and are the primary source of evaporation. A cycle described only between the atmosphere and lithosphere is incomplete.
Biotic and abiotic components only.: Incorrect. While water does move between biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical environment) components in an ecosystem, the term "circulation of water" in a hydrological context refers to the broader physical movement between major planetary reservoirs (oceans, atmosphere, land) rather than just ecosystem interactions.
Freshwater bodies and groundwater aquifers.: Incorrect. Freshwater bodies and groundwater aquifers are specific sub-components of the water stored on land. Describing the cycle strictly between these two ignores the oceans and the atmosphere.

Key Takeaway

The hydrological cycle maintains the global water balance by circulating water continuously between the oceans, atmosphere, and land.

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?

medium

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?

medium

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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Correct Option

The correct option is

The oceans and the land masses.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

The oceans and the land masses.: Correct. The hydrological cycle is primarily defined as the global exchange of water between the oceans (the largest reservoir) and the land masses. Water evaporates from the oceans, is transported by the atmosphere, precipitates over land, and returns to the oceans via surface runoff and groundwater flow, completing the circulation.
The atmosphere and the lithosphere only.: Incorrect. This option excludes the oceans, which hold approximately 97% of the Earth's water and are the primary source of evaporation. A cycle described only between the atmosphere and lithosphere is incomplete.
Biotic and abiotic components only.: Incorrect. While water does move between biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical environment) components in an ecosystem, the term "circulation of water" in a hydrological context refers to the broader physical movement between major planetary reservoirs (oceans, atmosphere, land) rather than just ecosystem interactions.
Freshwater bodies and groundwater aquifers.: Incorrect. Freshwater bodies and groundwater aquifers are specific sub-components of the water stored on land. Describing the cycle strictly between these two ignores the oceans and the atmosphere.

Key Takeaway

The hydrological cycle maintains the global water balance by circulating water continuously between the oceans, atmosphere, and land.