1. Evaporation:
* The sun's energy: The sun heats up bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers) and the land. This causes liquid water to change into water vapor (a gas).
* Transpiration: Plants also release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.
2. Condensation:
* As the water vapor rises: It cools and changes back into tiny water droplets. These droplets clump together to form clouds.
3. Precipitation:
* When clouds get too heavy: The water droplets fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. Runoff:
* Water on land: Once precipitation hits the ground, some flows over the surface of the land. This is called runoff.
* Rivers and streams: Runoff flows into rivers and streams, carrying sediments and nutrients with it.
* Oceans: Rivers and streams eventually lead to oceans.
5. Infiltration:
* Water soaks into the ground: Some precipitation soaks into the ground, replenishing underground water sources (groundwater).
* Groundwater: This water can be accessed by wells and springs, and it provides a significant water source for plants, animals, and humans.
6. Sublimation:
* Ice and snow: Water can directly change from a solid (ice or snow) to a gas (water vapor) without first becoming a liquid. This process is called sublimation.
7. Ocean currents:
* Continuous movement: Oceans are constantly moving, distributing heat and salt around the globe.
* Global climate: These currents play a major role in regulating Earth's climate.
This cycle is continuous: Water evaporates, condenses, precipitates, runs off, infiltrates, and so on. This cycle helps to regulate Earth's climate and provides water for all living things.
