What does the term hydrologic cycle describe?

The term hydrologic cycle describes the continuous movement of water through the environment, which encompasses various processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. This cycle illustrates how water is transferred between different reservoirs, including the atmosphere, land, and bodies of water, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these components in maintaining the earth's hydrological balance.

While some options pertain to specific aspects of water management or treatment, they do not encapsulate the broad and dynamic nature of the hydrologic cycle. For instance, the purification of water refers to processes that improve its quality, but this is just one aspect of the much more comprehensive hydrologic cycle. Likewise, groundwater extraction is a localized action within the larger cycle, and the storage of water in treatment facilities pertains to infrastructure rather than the cyclical movement of water. Thus, the definition that highlights the continuous movement of water through various stages and forms is the most accurate and reflective of the hydrologic cycle itself.