What is the water cycle?

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, refers to the continuous movement of water through various stages, which include evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. This cycle is vital for maintaining the Earth's water supply and involves several key processes.

Evaporation occurs when water from oceans, rivers, and lakes transitions into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. As the water vapor cools, it undergoes condensation, leading to the formation of clouds. Eventually, when the water droplets within these clouds become heavy, they fall back to Earth as precipitation, which can take the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This water then returns to bodies of water or seeps into the ground, replenishing aquifers and supporting various ecosystems.

The option defining this cyclical process captures the essence of how water moves and transforms in different states throughout the environment, highlighting its continuous nature. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for comprehending broader environmental processes and the role of water in supporting life on Earth.