How do plant transpiration and evaporation contribute to atmospheric moisture?

Plant transpiration and evaporation are vital processes in the hydrological cycle that significantly contribute to atmospheric moisture. During transpiration, plants absorb water from the soil and release it as water vapor through small openings in their leaves called stomata. Evaporation refers to the conversion of liquid water from surfaces like oceans, lakes, and rivers into water vapor in the atmosphere. Together, these processes add significant amounts of water vapor to the air, which increases the humidity levels.

As humidity rises, it represents an increase in the concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere. This can lead to various meteorological phenomena, such as cloud formation and precipitation, which are crucial for maintaining ecosystems and water supplies. Understanding this interaction between plant transpiration, evaporation, and atmospheric moisture helps illustrate the interconnectedness of terrestrial and atmospheric systems. The other options do not accurately represent the roles of these processes; for instance, decreasing humidity levels and converting water into ice do not align with the effects of transpiration and evaporation. Moreover, while there can be links between air quality and vegetation, neither process directly contributes to air pollution.