Water Cycle

The water cycle is the continuous process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat.

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

Water vapor is the gaseous state of water that is present in the air.

The sun provides heat energy that causes evaporation of water from the Earth's surface.

Water vapor rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds.

The water cycle has no specific starting point; it is a continuous cycle.

If evaporation stopped, the water cycle would be disrupted, leading to less precipitation.

Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when excess water from rain or melting snow flows over the ground and returns to bodies of water.