How does water enter the atmosphere? (select all that apply)

-runoff
-precipitation
-transpiration
-evaporation

I'm thinking it could it be runoff and precipitation or all of them

To determine how water enters the atmosphere, let's examine each option one by one:

1. Runoff: Runoff refers to the movement of water over the land surface into bodies of water like streams, rivers, and oceans. While runoff plays a role in the water cycle, it does not directly contribute to water entering the atmosphere. Therefore, runoff is not a correct choice.

2. Precipitation: Precipitation is the process by which water returns from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. This includes rainfall, snowfall, sleet, and hail. Although precipitation does not directly involve water entering the atmosphere, it is a crucial part of the water cycle. It replenishes water bodies and eventually leads to evaporation, which does result in water entering the atmosphere. So, precipitation contributes indirectly to water entering the atmosphere.

3. Transpiration: Transpiration is the process by which water is drawn up from plant roots, moves through the plant's tissues, and is released into the atmosphere through small pores on the underside of leaves called stomata. This process is similar to evaporation and contributes to water vapor entering the atmosphere. Therefore, transpiration is a correct choice.

4. Evaporation: Evaporation involves the transformation of liquid water into water vapor, lifting it into the atmosphere. This occurs from water bodies such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, as well as moist soil and plant surfaces. It is a significant process by which water enters the atmosphere, making it a correct choice.

In summary, the correct options for how water enters the atmosphere are transpiration and evaporation.

Neither of those guesses is right. Rain (precipitation) doesn't go up. Neither does runoff.

Please do not post this question again.