Water Cycle

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

Evaporation is the process where liquid water turns into water vapor, usually occurring when the sun heats the water.

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

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

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.

An example of evaporation is when puddles of water dry up on a sunny day.

An example of condensation is dew forming on grass in the morning.

An example of precipitation is snow falling during winter.

Higher temperatures increase the rate of evaporation because warm air can hold more water vapor.