Which THREE of the following processes depend directly on energy from the Sun?

The water cycle is fundamentally driven by solar energy, which causes evaporation of water from oceans, rivers, and lakes. This process leads to condensation and precipitation, thus maintaining the flow of water through various stages in the cycle, highlighting its direct dependence on the Sun.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some microorganisms convert sunlight into chemical energy, using it to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This fundamental biological process relies entirely on solar energy for the production of food and oxygen, establishing its direct connection to sunlight.

Atmospheric circulation is driven by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun, which creates pressure differences that lead to wind patterns and weather systems. This process is influenced by solar energy, making it a fundamental aspect of Earth's climate system.