Hydrologic cycle comprehension: Which of the following statements about sources of atmospheric moisture, precipitation, and the continuity of the hydrologic cycle are correct?

Introduction / Context:
The hydrologic (water) cycle describes the endless movement of water among the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Understanding its continuity and pathways supports water resources engineering and climate analysis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Evaporation and transpiration supply atmospheric moisture.
• Condensation and precipitation return moisture to the surface.
• Surface and subsurface flows redistribute water into water bodies.

Concept / Approach:
Solar energy drives evaporation from oceans, lakes, and rivers; transpiration adds plant-sourced vapour. Moist air masses condense to clouds and precipitate, replenishing surface and ground waters. Water remains in the atmosphere as vapour, completing the cycle with continuous exchanges rather than a one-time process.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify sources: major evaporation from oceans, supplemented by inland waters and soils.Transport and transformation: advection and uplift lead to condensation, cloud formation, and precipitation.Return flows: precipitation feeds runoff to rivers/lakes and infiltration to aquifers, sustaining springs; re-evaporation continues the cycle.

Verification / Alternative check:
Water balance over long periods confirms mass conservation: precipitation ≈ evaporation + runoff + storage change on global scales.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each statement (a–d) is individually correct; therefore the inclusive option 'All the above.' is the appropriate answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the hydrologic cycle is linear or seasonal only; neglecting groundwater-surface water interactions; ignoring sublimation/deposition pathways in cold regions.

Final Answer:
All the above.