Which of the following examples illustrates an energy transfer between the atmosphere and hydrosphere? A. convection currents in the ocean mixing warmer and cooler water together B. loss of heat from a goothermal vent to the surrounding cooler water C. plant roots absorbing water from the soil D. polar ice reflecting the Sun's light back toward space

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify an example that illustrates an energy transfer between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere refers to all the water on the Earth's surface, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and even underground water. The atmosphere, on the other hand, is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each option:<br /><br />### Option A: <br />This option describes convection currents in the ocean, which involve the movement of warmer and cooler water together. This is a process that occurs within the hydrosphere, but it does not involve any interaction with the atmosphere.<br /><br />### Option B: <br />This option describes the loss of heat from a geothermal vent to the surrounding cooler water. This is an example of energy transfer between the geosphere (the solid part of the Earth) and the hydrosphere, not the atmosphere.<br /><br />### Option C: <br />This option describes plant roots absorbing water from the soil. This is an example of energy transfer between the geosphere (the solid part of the Earth) and the biosphere (the living organisms on Earth), not the atmosphere.<br /><br />### Option D: <br />This option describes polar ice reflecting the Sun's light back toward space. This is an example of energy transfer between the atmosphere (the Sun's light) and the hydrosphere (the polar ice).