The never-ending path water takes between Earth and the atmosphere is called the hydrologic cycle.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

* Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even soil evaporates into the atmosphere.

* Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.

* Precipitation: Water falls back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

* Collection: Water collects in rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground, eventually returning to the ocean.

This cycle continuously moves water between Earth's surface and its atmosphere, playing a vital role in sustaining life.