Which process is included in the hydrological cycle?

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, encompasses the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. This cycle includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration. Condensation is a central process in this cycle, occurring when water vapor cools and transforms into liquid water, forming clouds or precipitation. This phase is critical for the overall distribution of water in the environment, as it leads to rainfall and contributes to the replenishment of water bodies, soil moisture, and underground aquifers.

Although photosynthesis, soil formation, and nitrogen fixation are significant biological and geological processes, they do not directly pertain to the movement or transformation of water in the cycle. Photosynthesis involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight, while soil formation focuses on the development of soil layers over time. Nitrogen fixation pertains to the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by living organisms. While all these processes are essential to various ecological systems, they operate independently of the core processes that define the hydrological cycle.