Question

which of the following best explains why texas experienced higher than usual humidity this summer? long term drought in west texas; elevated surface temperatures in the gulf of mexico caused more water to evaporate, and low - pressure systems pulled that extra humidity into texas; a shift in wind patterns, bringing cooler air from the rocky mountains; a significant increase in industrial water usage across major texas cities.

Explanation:

To determine why Texas had higher - than - usual humidity, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: A long - term drought in West Texas is related to a lack of water, which would likely decrease humidity rather than increase it. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 2: Elevated surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico lead to more water evaporation. Low - pressure systems can then pull this extra humid air into Texas. This process is consistent with the mechanisms that increase humidity.
• Option 3: Cooler air from the Rocky Mountains is generally drier. Bringing in cooler air would not lead to an increase in humidity. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: An increase in industrial water usage is about water consumption, not about adding moisture to the air on a large scale to increase humidity. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

Elevated surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico caused more water to evaporate, and low - pressure systems pulled that extra humidity into Texas