Water Cycle

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually when it gets warm.

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 clouds to the ground, such as rain, snow, or hail.

Runoff is water that flows over the ground and returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

When water gets hot, it evaporates and turns into water vapor.

When water vapor cools, it condenses and forms droplets of water, creating clouds.

The sun provides heat that causes evaporation, helping to move water into the atmosphere.

The opposite of evaporation is condensation.

Water can stay in the water cycle for millions of years.