The process of capture of precipitation by the plant canopy and its subsequent return to the atmosphere is called

The correct answer is C. interception.

Interception is the process of water droplets being caught by the leaves and stems of plants. The water then evaporates back into the atmosphere or drips down to the ground as stem flow.

Sublimation is the process of water vapor in the air turning directly into ice without going through the liquid phase.

Stem flow is the process of water flowing down the stems of plants to the ground.

Throughfall is the process of water falling directly to the ground through the plant canopy.