What causes water to move from the cryosphere to the liquid part of the

hydrosphere?

The water loses thermal energy.

The water gains thermal energy.

The water loses gravitational energy.

The water gains gravitational energy.

The correct answer is : The water gains thermal energy.

Explanation:

The melting of ice to water happens in the following steps: The temperature of ice normally remains less than zero degree Celsius. Initially it absorbs thermal energy from the atmosphere to increase its temperature to zero degree Celsius. At zero degree Celsius, no further rise in the temperature of ice occurs and the thermal energy absorbed now is used to change the state of water from solid (ice) to liquid (water). This thermal energy is also known as the Latent heat of Fusion. After change of state occurs the water further absorbs thermal energy and increase its temperature to equalise with the temperature of the surrounding.