What is the origin of energy that drives the water cycle?

Options

A. Trees
B. Water
C. Mountains
D. Sun

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Identify the Energy Source**: The primary source of energy that drives the water cycle is the Sun.

2. **Heating of Water**: The Sun's rays heat the water present in oceans, rivers, and lakes. This heating is crucial as it initiates the water cycle.

3. **Evaporation Process**: As the water heats up, it begins to evaporate. This means that water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapor) and rises into the atmosphere.

4. **Cooling and Condensation**: Once the water vapor rises, it encounters cooler temperatures in the higher atmosphere. The decrease in temperature causes the water vapor to condense back into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.

5. **Precipitation**: Eventually, these droplets combine to form larger droplets, and when they become heavy enough, they fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation, which can be in the form of rain, snow, or hail.

6. **Conclusion**: Thus, the Sun is the origin of energy that drives the entire water cycle, facilitating the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.