What factors can influence the rate of evaporation from surface water?

The correct choice identifies key factors that substantially influence the rate of evaporation from surface water.

Temperature is a primary factor because warmer water molecules have higher energy, enabling them to escape into the air more readily. As temperature increases, the rate of evaporation typically escalates.

Wind speed also plays a crucial role; higher wind speeds can enhance evaporation by moving the saturated air (air that contains moisture) away from the water surface, allowing more water molecules to escape. This constant replacement of air maintains a gradient conducive to evaporation.

Humidity is significant because it indicates the amount of moisture already present in the air. Lower humidity levels facilitate evaporation, as drier air can accept more moisture from the water surface.

Surface area directly impacts evaporation as well; larger surface areas provide more space for water molecules to escape into the air, thereby increasing the potential rate of evaporation.

Together, these factors create an environment that can significantly affect the overall rate of evaporation from bodies of surface water.