Water Cycle

Evaporation

The process by which water is converted from liquid to vapor and enters the atmosphere, usually driven by heat from the sun.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Precipitation

The process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Infiltration

The process by which water soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and contributing to soil moisture.

Melting

The process where solid ice turns into liquid water as it absorbs heat, often occurring when temperatures rise above freezing.

Runoff

The movement of water, usually from precipitation, that flows over land surfaces and eventually returns to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Absorption

The process by which water is taken up by soil or vegetation, contributing to moisture levels and nutrient availability.

Transpiration

The process by which water vapor is released from plants into the atmosphere, primarily through small openings in leaves called stomata.