Final answer:
The correct answer is a) Short: Evaporation from a puddle; Long: Formation of a glacier. Evaporation of water from a puddle is a quick process within the water cycle, while glacier formation is a slow and long-term process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is: a) Short: Evaporation from a puddle; Long: Formation of a glacier. In the hydrologic cycle, processes can occur over various timescales. An example of a very short, rapid part of the cycle is the evaporation from a puddle. This is a quick event where solar energy heats the water, turning it into vapor that rises into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the formation of a glacier represents a long and slow part of the cycle.
Glaciers form over many years as snow accumulates and compresses into ice masses, moving water extremely slowly across the Earth's surface. The water cycle is essential in distributing water across the planet, providing fresh water, and maintaining ecological systems. Understanding its rapid and slow components helps us appreciate the complexity and balance of Earth's ecosystems.