water cycle

Evaporation

The process where water is heated by the sun, turning it from liquid into vapor and rising into the atmosphere.

Condensation

When water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds.

Precipitation

The stage where water falls from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Collection

The process where water accumulates in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, and can also infiltrate into the ground.