The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving transitions from one physical state to another.

Driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity, water continuously cycles among land, ocean, and the atmosphere through multiple interconnected pathways.

Continuous Movement and State Changes of Water

Water transitions to vapor and moves into the atmosphere through evaporation and transpiration:
- **Evaporation:** Liquid water absorbs energy and evaporates from the surface of land and oceans, then rises into the atmosphere.
- **Transpiration:** Water also transpires directly from plants into the atmosphere.

As the moist air rises, it cools. This cooling causes the water vapor to undergo **condensation** and **crystallization**, forming clouds of liquid water droplets or ice crystals.

Evaporation, Transpiration, and Condensation

When water droplets in clouds condense, grow large enough, and become too heavy to remain suspended, water falls back to the surface as **precipitation** in the form of rain or snow.

Once on land, water moves through downhill flows. It collects in soils, rivers, and lakes, and a significant portion flows back into the oceans, completing the continuous cycle.

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