The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process through which water circulates in the environment. The key stages of the water cycle occur in a specific order:
- Evaporation: This is the process where water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water is heated by the sun and transformed into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: As water vapor rises, it cools down and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds. This process occurs when the air temperature drops, and water vapor condenses around tiny particles in the atmosphere.
- Precipitation: Eventually, the water droplets in the clouds become heavy and fall back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature.
- Collection: Water collects in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. It may also seep into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies.
- Infiltration and Runoff: Some of the precipitation will infiltrate the soil, providing moisture for plants, while excess water runs off the surface, eventually making its way back to lakes and oceans.
This sequence continually repeats itself, making the water cycle an essential and dynamic component of our planet’s climate system.