Study Guide: The Water Cycle
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the
Earth. It involves several key processes that circulate water through the environment.
- Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into water vapor due to heat from the sun.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and turns back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.
- Precipitation: Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Collection: Water gathers back into bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans, and the cycle
starts again.
The water cycle is essential for life on Earth, helping distribute fresh water across the planet.