Which of the following is NOT a component of the hydrologic cycle relevant to surface water?

Photosynthesis is not a component of the hydrologic cycle relevant to surface water. The hydrologic cycle involves processes such as infiltration, where water seeps into the ground; transpiration, where water vapor is released from plants; and condensation, where water vapor cools and forms droplets in clouds. While photosynthesis is a vital biological process that supports plant life by converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight, it does not directly involve the movement or transformation of water within the hydrologic cycle itself. Therefore, it is excluded when discussing elements that specifically relate to the dynamics of surface water.