Which of the following are main components of the water cycle?

The main components of the water cycle include key processes that contribute to the continuous movement of water within the Earth's systems. The correct components are evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.

Evaporation is the process where liquid water transforms into water vapor due to heat, thus entering the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, this vapor cools and condenses to form clouds, which is the condensation part of the cycle. When the water droplets in the clouds combine and grow heavy enough, they fall back to Earth as precipitation—this can manifest as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Infiltration refers to the movement of water from the surface into the soil and groundwater, which is crucial for replenishing aquifers. Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from precipitation moves over the Earth's surface, eventually returning to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans, completing the cycle.

Other options include concepts or processes that do not accurately represent the cycle's main components. For instance, some options mention photosynthesis or processes like settling and sublimation that are not integral to the fundamental water cycle dynamics.