What effect do the seasons have on evaporation rates?

Seasonal temperature changes play a significant role in influencing evaporation rates. During warmer months, temperatures rise, which increases the kinetic energy of water molecules, leading to a higher rate of evaporation. Conversely, in colder months, lower temperatures slow down the molecular movement, resulting in lower evaporation rates. Besides temperature, factors like increased sunlight and wind during certain seasons can also enhance evaporation. Therefore, the interplay of seasonal changes in temperature fundamentally affects the rate at which water evaporates from surfaces such as lakes, oceans, and soil.

Other options present misconceptions about evaporation. For instance, stating that seasons do not influence evaporation overlooks the critical role temperature and environmental factors play. Suggesting that only summer increases evaporation fails to acknowledge that even in spring or fall, evaporation can still be significant, albeit perhaps not as high as in summer. Similarly, while cold seasons can still have some evaporation—especially on sunny days—the overall rate is typically much lower than in warmer conditions.