Natural Science CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the process in which water evaporates and condenses into clouds?

1. Evapotranspiration

2. Advection

3. Condensation

4. Precipitation

The correct answer is: Evapotranspiration

The process in which water evaporates and condenses into clouds is known as evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration is the combination of two processes - evaporation and transpiration from plants. Evaporation occurs when water on the Earth's surface is heated by the sun and changes from a liquid state to a gas (water vapor). Transpiration, on the other hand, is the process by which plants release water into the atmosphere through their leaves. This process is important in the water cycle, as it helps to replenish the water in the atmosphere and can contribute to the formation of clouds. Option B, advection, refers to the horizontal movement of air or water in the atmosphere, and is not directly related to the formation of clouds through evapotranspiration. Option C, condensation, is the process through which water vapor changes back into liquid water, but it does not refer to