For each of several continents, the graph shows the total annual precipitation, the percentage of precipitation that directly returns to...
GMAT Graphics Interpretation : (GI) Questions
For each of several continents, the graph shows the total annual precipitation, the percentage of precipitation that directly returns to the atmosphere through evaporation, and the percentage that flows into the oceans as runoff. From each drop-down menu, select the option that creates the most accurate statement based on the information provided.
Owning the Dataset
Table 1: Text Analysis
| Text Component | Literal Content | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Scope | For each of several continents | Data is organized by continent |
| Measurement 1 | Total annual precipitation | How much precipitation falls per year in km³ on each continent |
| Measurement 2 | Percentage that returns to atmosphere through evaporation | Shows share of precipitation evaporated |
| Measurement 3 | Percentage that flows into oceans as runoff | Shows share of precipitation reaching oceans as surface water |
Table 2: Chart Analysis
| Chart Feature | Description | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Chart Type | 3D column chart over world map | Highlights continental comparison, global perspective |
| Columns | One vertical bar per continent, divided into two colored segments | Each bar's total size = precipitation; colored segments = evaporation (orange) and runoff (red) percentages |
| Height of Column | Proportional to total precipitation (e.g., Asia tallest, Australia & Oceania shortest) | Immediately shows continents with highest or lowest rainfall/snowfall |
| Segment Proportions | Orange = evaporation %, Red = runoff % (sum to 100%) | Visualizes water distribution routes per continent |
| Data Labels | All columns precisely labeled with values and percentages | Enables exact quantitative extraction for each process |
Key Insights
- Asia receives the most precipitation (\(\mathrm{32,200\ km^3}\)), while Australia & Oceania receives the least (\(\mathrm{7,080\ km^3}\)).
- Africa has the highest evaporation proportion (80%) and lowest runoff (20%), showing most precipitation is lost to the atmosphere.
- In all continents, evaporation % plus runoff % equals 100%, meaning all precipitation is accounted for by these two pathways.
- High evaporation continents (Africa, Australia & Oceania, Europe) have lower runoff, impacting available water resources and contribution to oceans.
Step-by-Step Solution
Question 1: Lowest Evaporation Volume
Complete Statement:
The total volume of annual precipitation that directly returns to the atmosphere through evaporation is lowest in [BLANK].
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: total volume of annual precipitation
- Meaning: The actual amount of water that falls on each continent in a year (in km³).
- Relation to Chart: This is the labeled number on top of each continent's column in the chart.
- Important Implications: We need to use these numerical values for calculations, not just the percentages.
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase: directly returns to the atmosphere through evaporation
- Meaning: The portion of precipitation that evaporates before becoming runoff.
- Relation to Chart: Depicted by the orange section and the evaporation percentage for each continent.
- Important Implications: To get the total evaporated volume, multiply the precipitation volume by the evaporation percentage for each option.
What is needed: Which continent among the options (North America, Europe, Australia and Oceania) has the smallest total precipitation volume lost to evaporation.
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Multiply each continent's total precipitation by its evaporation percentage. Compare the results to find the lowest. - Necessary Data points:
North America: \(\mathrm{18,300\ km^3}\) and 55%; Europe: \(\mathrm{8,290\ km^3}\) and 65%; Australia and Oceania: \(\mathrm{7,080\ km^3}\) and 65%. - Calculations Estimations:
North America: \(\mathrm{18,300 \times 0.55 = 10,065\ km^3}\). Europe: \(\mathrm{8,290 \times 0.65 = 5,388.5\ km^3}\). Australia and Oceania: \(\mathrm{7,080 \times 0.65 = 4,602\ km^3}\). - Comparison to Answer Choices:
Australia and Oceania has the lowest evaporation volume (\(\mathrm{4,602\ km^3}\)) compared to North America (\(\mathrm{10,065\ km^3}\)) and Europe (\(\mathrm{5,388.5\ km^3}\)).
FINAL ANSWER Blank 1: Australia and Oceania
Question 2: Combined Runoff Percentage for Europe and Asia
Complete Statement:
Of the total combined annual precipitation in Europe and Asia together, about [BLANK] flows into the oceans as runoff.
Breaking Down the Statement
- Statement Breakdown 1:
- Key Phrase: total combined annual precipitation in Europe and Asia together
- Meaning: Add Europe's and Asia's total annual precipitation volumes.
- Relation to Chart: Sum the numbers listed above Europe (\(\mathrm{8,290\ km^3}\)) and Asia (\(\mathrm{32,200\ km^3}\)) in the chart.
- Statement Breakdown 2:
- Key Phrase: flows into the oceans as runoff
- Meaning: The total volume of water that does not evaporate but reaches the oceans.
- Relation to Chart: Find the runoff volumes for both, shown as red segments with percentages. Add them, and calculate the proportion of total precipitation.
What is needed: What percent of Europe's and Asia's combined precipitation volume becomes runoff (flows to oceans).
Solution:
- Condensed Solution Implementation:
Calculate runoff volume for each continent (precipitation × runoff %), sum these, then divide by total combined precipitation, and convert to a percentage. - Necessary Data points:
Europe: \(\mathrm{8,290\ km^3}\) and 35% runoff; Asia: \(\mathrm{32,200\ km^3}\) and 45% runoff. - Calculations Estimations:
Europe: \(\mathrm{8,290 \times 0.35 = 2,901.5\ km^3}\). Asia: \(\mathrm{32,200 \times 0.45 = 14,490\ km^3}\). Total runoff: \(\mathrm{2,901.5 + 14,490 = 17,391.5\ km^3}\). Total precipitation: \(\mathrm{8,290 + 32,200 = 40,490\ km^3}\). Percent runoff: \(\mathrm{(17,391.5 \div 40,490) \times 100 = 42.96\% \approx 43\%}\). - Comparison to Answer Choices:
43% matches one of the offered choices and is closest to the precise calculation.
FINAL ANSWER Blank 2: 43%
Summary
By multiplying the annual precipitation by the evaporation percent for each continent, we found the lowest evaporation volume is in Australia and Oceania (\(\mathrm{4,602\ km^3}\)). For the combined runoff percentage of Europe and Asia, direct calculation yields approximately 43%. Each question is solved independently, strictly using the chart data.
Question Independence Analysis
These questions are independent; blank 1 is about which continent has the smallest evaporation volume, while blank 2 is about combined runoff from Europe and Asia. One answer does not depend on the outcome of the other.