The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Water Cycle, or hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water within the Earth and its atmosphere. It is a fundamental biogeochemical cycle that connects the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
- Statement 1 is Correct: The water cycle is a continuous, never-ending process driven primarily by solar energy. It involves the constant exchange of water through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The water cycle does not deplete the total supply of water. Earth is essentially a closed system regarding matter, meaning the total mass of water remains constant. The cycle ensures that water is replenished and redistributed, although local availability may vary.
- Statement 3 is Correct: A core function of the water cycle is the circulation of water between the oceans and the land. Water evaporates from the oceans to form clouds, precipitates over land as rain or snow, and returns to the oceans through rivers, streams, and groundwater flow.
Key Takeaway: The hydrological cycle is a closed system that maintains Earth's total water budget by circulating water through different states (liquid, solid, gas) and reservoirs (oceans, land, atmosphere).