Final answer:
The condition of a vehicle riding on a film of water is known as hydroplaning, which causes a loss of traction and control. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition of a vehicle riding on a film of water is known as hydroplaning. This occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction that prevents the vehicle from responding to control inputs. Hydroplaning is particularly dangerous because it can lead to loss of steering, braking, and power control.
When a car hydroplanes, the tires encounter more water than they can scatter or channel away. The water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water underneath the tire, and the vehicle is then, essentially, riding on a thin layer of water rather than on the road. This can mimic the sensation of skating or floating. The most common contributing factors to hydroplaning include vehicle speed, tire tread depth, tire inflation, and the water depth on the roadway.
To avoid hydroplaning, drivers are advised to reduce speed in rainy conditions, ensure their tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth, and to steer clear of puddles and standing water when possible. In the event a vehicle begins to hydroplane, it is recommended to ease off the accelerator and steer straight until the car regains traction. Braking suddenly or turning the wheel sharply can exacerbate the lack of control.
In contrast to the hydrologic cycle term in the question which is actually about the natural movement of water within the Earth's atmosphere and surface, hydroplaning is a driving condition. However, it is directly influenced by the presence of water on road surfaces as part of surface runoff which is part of the hydrologic cycle.