Questions: The hydrologic cycle is best described as the circulation of water around the globe

The answer is the fourth one: the circulation of water around the globe.

Explanation for each option:

1. The path water travels from mountains to oceans: This option is too narrow and only describes a part of the hydrologic cycle. The hydrologic cycle encompasses more than just the movement of water from mountains to oceans.

2. Evaporation of water from the ocean into clouds: This option describes one specific process within the hydrologic cycle, but it does not encompass the entire cycle. The hydrologic cycle includes various processes such as precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and more.

3. The direction rivers flow in the Northern versus the Southern Hemisphere: This option is incorrect as it does not describe the hydrologic cycle at all. The direction of river flow is influenced by topography and gravity, not by the hydrologic cycle.

4. The circulation of water around the globe: This option correctly describes the hydrologic cycle, which involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and subsurface flow.

Summary: The hydrologic cycle is best described as the circulation of water around the globe, encompassing various processes that move water through different states and locations on Earth.