The Hydrologic Cycle

The hydrologic cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface. It begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. This vapor cools and condenses into clouds through condensation. When clouds become heavy, water falls back to the ground as precipitation—rain, snow, or hail. Some of this water flows into bodies of water (runoff), while some infiltrates the ground, replenishing aquifers. This cycle sustains ecosystems, shapes weather patterns, and provides fresh water for all living organisms.