The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above,

and below the surface of the Earth. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation,
and runoff, which work together to circulate water throughout the planet.

Evaporation: This is the process by which water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water is
heated by the sun and transformed from liquid to vapor, rising into the atmosphere.

Condensation: As the water vapor rises higher into the atmosphere, it cools down and condenses into tiny
droplets or ice crystals, forming clouds. This process is crucial for cloud formation.

Precipitation: When the water droplets in the clouds become heavy enough, they fall back to the Earth's
surface in the form of precipitation, which can include rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Runoff: When precipitation lands on the Earth's surface, it either infiltrates into the ground, replenishing
groundwater reserves, or flows over the surface as runoff, eventually making its way back to rivers, lakes,
and oceans. Runoff plays a critical role in shaping the landscape through erosion and sedimentation
processes.

Transpiration: In addition to these main processes, plants also play a role in the water cycle through
transpiration. Transpiration is the process by which water is absorbed by plants' roots and released into the
atmosphere through tiny openings in their leaves called stomata.

The water cycle is a continuous and dynamic process that regulates the distribution of water across the
Earth's surface, sustaining ecosystems and supporting life. It is driven primarily by solar energy and the
Earth's gravity, with various factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, and topography influencing its
dynamics. The water cycle is essential for maintaining freshwater sources, regulating climate patterns,
and supporting various natural processes, making it a fundamental aspect of Earth's environmental
systems.