The Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cyle)

water cycle

continuous movement of water powered by the sun; connects oceans, air, and land

evaporation

sun heats water → turns to vapor and rises

condensation

water vapor cools → forms clouds from tiny droplets

precipitation

water falls as rain, snow, sleet, or hail when clouds get heavy

runoff

water flows downhill into rivers, lakes, and oceans while carrying nutrients

infiltration

water soaks into soil and becomes groundwater

storage

water stored in oceans, ice, lakes, and groundwater until it moves again

universal solvent

water dissolves nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur

nutrient transport

water cycle helps move nchops nutrients through ecosystems

key idea

water cycle never stops and is essential for moving water and nutrients across earth