Water Cycle

The water cycle describes how water moves around our planet. It starts with evaporation, where water from oceans, rivers, and lakes turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. As the vapor cools, it condenses into clouds. Eventually, this moisture falls back to Earth as precipitation—rain, snow, or hail. The water then flows into rivers and lakes, seeps into the ground, or is taken up by plants. This continuous cycle ensures that water is recycled and available in various forms, supporting all life and shaping our environment.