Which type of cycle includes infiltration and runoff?

The correct answer is the hydrologic cycle. This cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Infiltration and runoff are two key processes within this cycle. Infiltration refers to the process by which water from precipitation seeps into the soil and becomes part of the groundwater system, while runoff occurs when water flows over the land surface and eventually returns to bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Understanding the hydrologic cycle is crucial in studying weather patterns, climate, and the water supply. It connects various components of Earth's systems, illustrating how water travels through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, and highlighting the importance of water in supporting all forms of life.

While the other cycles mentioned—nutrient, carbon, and oxygen—are important for biological and ecological processes, they do not specifically involve the processes of infiltration and runoff. The nutrient cycle focuses on the circulation of nutrients necessary for organisms, the carbon cycle revolves around the movement of carbon through the atmosphere and living organisms, and the oxygen cycle emphasizes the exchange and movement of oxygen in the environment.