The water cycle includes
evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement and circulation of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It involves several steps, which include:
1. Evaporation: Heat from the sun causes water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies to turn into vapor and rise into the atmosphere.
2. Transpiration: Plants and trees release moisture in the form of vapor through their leaves.
3. Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it cools down and forms water droplets, creating clouds in the atmosphere.
4. Precipitation: The condensed water droplets in the clouds combine and become too heavy to stay airborne. They fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation, which can be in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Runoff: Precipitation that falls on the Earth's surface can either be absorbed into the ground (infiltration) or flow over the land as runoff, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and oceans.
6. Groundwater: Some precipitation that infiltrates the ground will become groundwater – water that is stored underground in soil and rock layers.
7. Surface water and storage: Water collected from runoff and groundwater replenishes lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, creating a continuous cycle.
8. Repeat: The process repeats itself, as water continuously evaporates, condenses, and precipitates, maintaining the water balance on Earth.
The water cycle is essential for the distribution of water resources, maintaining ecosystems, and providing a continuous supply of fresh water for various purposes.