The global water cycle supports a net flow of atmospheric water vapor __________.

• A. from land to the oceans
• B. from polar to tropical regions
• C. from tropical to polar regions
• D. from unforested to forested biomes
• E. from the oceans to land

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the global water cycle, which involves the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. Key processes include evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
2. Recognize that evaporation primarily occurs over the oceans, where large amounts of water are converted into water vapor due to solar energy.
3. Consider the role of atmospheric circulation patterns, which transport water vapor from the oceans to land. This is driven by wind and temperature differences, leading to precipitation over land.
4. Identify that precipitation over land contributes to various freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, which eventually return to the oceans through runoff.
5. Conclude that the net flow of atmospheric water vapor is from the oceans to land, as the cycle involves evaporation from oceans and precipitation over land.