Question

1. which statement best explains how atmospheric dust particles influence the water cycle?

dust particles increase the amount of evaporation that takes place.
dust particles provide surfaces on which water vapor can condense.
dust particles are the main source of dissolved salts in the sea.
dust particles increase the capacity of the atmosphere to hold water vapor.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Evaporation is mainly driven by heat and surface area of water, not dust particles, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: In the water cycle, condensation (forming clouds) requires condensation nuclei. Dust particles act as these nuclei, providing surfaces for water vapor to condense. This matches the process.
• Option 3: Dissolved salts in the sea come from weathering of rocks, runoff, etc., not dust particles, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: The atmosphere's capacity to hold water vapor depends on temperature, not dust particles, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Dust particles provide surfaces on which water vapor can condense.