Terminology in hydrology: The process by which water evaporates, condenses to droplets, precipitates, runs off or infiltrates, and ultimately returns to its sources is commonly called what?

Introduction / Context:
Hydrology describes the continuous movement of water through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Different terms are used in textbooks and practice for this integrated process that connects evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, and return flows.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard Earth water movement pathways.
• Synonymous terminology is acceptable if scientifically consistent.

Concept / Approach:

“Hydrological cycle” and “water cycle” are interchangeable in most contexts. “Evaporation and precipitation cycle” highlights two key phases but implicitly includes intervening storage and flow pathways. Hence, all listed terms (except for contrived or overly narrow phrases) describe the same holistic process.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Educational standards and literature routinely equate “hydrological cycle” with “water cycle,” encompassing evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, percolation, and runoff.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Individually, (a), (b), and (c) each refer to the same process; selecting only one would be incomplete, hence (d) “all the above” is the most inclusive and correct.

Common Pitfalls:

• Overlooking subsurface processes (percolation to groundwater) when defining the cycle.
• Forgetting evapotranspiration from vegetation as a major return pathway.

Final Answer:

all the above..