Final answer:
A perched lake may remain permanent if the inflow of water is at least equal to the evaporation of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
A perched lake may remain permanent if the inflow of water is at least equal to the evaporation of water. This is because a lake retains its water as long as the amount entering is equal or more than what is lost through processes like evaporation or seepage, ensuring a balance in water levels. Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas due to the Sun’s energy, whereas infiltration refers to water seeping into the ground to become a part of Earth's groundwater system, such as aquifers. Precipitation, which includes rain, snow, hail, and sleet, can contribute to the inflow of a lake but is not directly related to its permanence unless it balances the evaporation rate. Answering the student’s question, the moisture balance is critical for the permanence of a perched lake.