The Water Cycle

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

Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air cools down 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.

Collection is when water gathers in bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of solid ice pellets that form in strong thunderstorms.

Snow is a type of precipitation that falls as ice crystals when temperatures are cold.

Sleet is a type of precipitation that consists of small ice pellets that form when rain freezes before hitting the ground.

The gaseous state of water is called water vapor.

The liquid state of water is simply called water.