Hydrological pathway ordering: Arrange the following into a meaningful sequence of water flow and accumulation. 1. Sea 2. Rivulet 3. Ocean 4. River 5. Glacier

Introduction / Context:
This question assesses your grasp of how freshwater typically moves from sources to larger water bodies. Recognizing the progression from small headwaters to the largest basins is a foundational geography concept.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Elements: Glacier, Rivulet, River, Sea, Ocean.
• Assume a generic mountain-to-sea profile.
• Rivulet is a small stream; rivers feed seas; seas are marginal parts of oceans.

Concept / Approach:
Glaciers (frozen reservoirs) generate meltwater forming small streams (rivulets). These combine into rivers that drain into seas, which are subdivisions or fringes of the global oceans. Hence the sequence follows scale and confluence logic.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard drainage basin diagrams and physical geography texts show headwater streams growing into rivers and ultimately reaching seas and the oceanic system.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 5, 2, 1, 3, 4: Places Ocean before River, breaking flow logic.
• 5, 4, 2, 3, 1 and 5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Reverse or mix the progression, placing Sea/Ocean too early or Rivulet after River irrationally.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up the relative scale of Sea vs. Ocean, and assuming direct glacier-to-ocean flow without river/seaside stages in a typical model.

Final Answer:
5, 2, 4, 1, 3