Final answer:
The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is powered by solar energy. The Sun's heat causes water to evaporate from the oceans, lakes, and land, turning it into water vapor in the atmosphere. This water vapor then condenses into clouds and eventually falls back to the Earth as precipitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is powered by solar energy. The Sun's heat causes water to evaporate from the oceans, lakes, and land, turning it into water vapor in the atmosphere. This water vapor then condenses into clouds and eventually falls back to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow. This continuous cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is what powers the hydrologic cycle on Earth.