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 by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat from the sun.

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air 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 the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

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

Water vapor is the dominant gas in the atmosphere that forms clouds.

Water returns to the Earth as precipitation.

Ocean water evaporates into the atmosphere, where it can condense and fall back as precipitation.

Examples of precipitation include rain, hail, sleet, and snow.

High rates of evaporation in tropical seas lead to higher salt concentrations because the water evaporates, leaving the salt behind.