In the hydrological cycle the average residence time of water in the g...
Explanation:
The hydrological cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves the processes of evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. Water moves through different reservoirs such as the atmosphere, oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. The residence time of water refers to the average time that a water molecule spends in a particular reservoir.
Residence time of water in oceans:
- The oceans are the largest reservoir of water on the planet, covering about 70% of the Earth's surface.
- The average residence time of water in the oceans is about 3,000 years.
- This means that a water molecule in the ocean will stay there for an average of 3,000 years before it evaporates into the atmosphere or is transported to another reservoir.
Residence time of water in groundwater:
- Groundwater is the water that is stored in the pores and fractures of rocks beneath the Earth's surface.
- The average residence time of water in groundwater is about 1,400 years.
- This means that a water molecule in groundwater will stay there for an average of 1,400 years before it is discharged into a stream or river, or extracted by a well.
Residence time of water in rivers:
- Rivers are the channels through which water flows from one place to another, eventually reaching the oceans.
- The average residence time of water in rivers is about 16 days.
- This means that a water molecule in a river will stay there for an average of 16 days before it is discharged into the ocean.
Residence time of water in atmospheric moisture:
- Atmospheric moisture refers to the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere.
- The average residence time of water in atmospheric moisture is about 9 days.
- This means that a water molecule in atmospheric moisture will stay there for an average of 9 days before it either condenses into clouds and precipitates, or is transported to another location by winds.
Conclusion:
From the above explanation, it is clear that the average residence time of water in oceans is larger than that of the global groundwater. Hence, option D is the correct answer.
In the hydrological cycle the average residence time of water in the g...
A
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