The Water Cycle

Evaporation

Heat from the sun turns liquid water into a gas.

Condensation

Water vapor cools and turns liquid into water. Clouds form because water droplets stick together in the atmosphere.

Precipritation

Water that falls from the atmosphere to Earth’s surface. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all examples.

Transpiration

Plants release water vapor from their leaves.

Collection or Runoff

Water gathers in oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Runoff flows over the land into larger bodies of water.

Infiltration

Water on the ground surface seeping into the soil.