Correct Option
The correct option isIt permanently converts all oceanic water into freshwater.
Explanation
The hydrological cycle, or water cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves the exchange of energy and matter between the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement It involves phase transitions of water. is Correct: The cycle involves various phase transitions, such as evaporation (liquid to gas), condensation (gas to liquid), and freezing (liquid to solid).
- Statement It maintains the global water balance. is Correct: The hydrological cycle maintains the global water balance. While water moves between reservoirs (oceans, atmosphere, land), the total amount of water on Earth remains roughly constant over time.
- Statement It is driven by solar energy. is Correct: Solar energy is the primary driving force of the water cycle. It provides the heat required for evaporation and drives the atmospheric circulation that transports water vapor.
- Statement It permanently converts all oceanic water into freshwater. is Incorrect: While evaporation separates fresh water from salts, the cycle does not permanently convert all oceanic water into freshwater. The vast majority of Earth's water remains in the oceans as saline water. The freshwater generated through evaporation eventually returns to the oceans via precipitation and runoff, completing the cycle without altering the fundamental saline nature of the oceanic reservoir.
Key Takeaway:
The hydrological cycle is a solar-driven process involving phase changes and the circulation of water, maintaining a global balance, but it does not permanently desalinate the oceans.