Explain the water cycle.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous process by which water is circulated throughout the Earth and its atmosphere. It involves the movement of water between the earth's surface, the atmosphere, and back again.
The process begins with the evaporation of water from bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers, as well as from plants and soil. The water vapor rises into the atmosphere where it cools and condenses to form clouds.
Condensation leads to the formation of precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, which falls back to the earth's surface. This precipitation can either infiltrate into the ground, becoming groundwater, or run off into bodies of water.
Some of the water that infiltrates into the ground may be absorbed by plants and transpired back into the atmosphere, a process known as evapotranspiration. The rest of the water may flow through the ground as groundwater, ultimately making its way back to bodies of water through springs, streams, and rivers.
This entire process continues in a cycle, with water constantly moving between the earth's surface and the atmosphere. The water cycle plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet's water supply, supporting plant and animal life, influencing weather patterns, and shaping the Earth's landscape.