The Water Cycle: Step‑by‑Step

1. Evaporation: Solar heat turns surface water into vapor.
2. Condensation: Vapor cools, forming clouds.
3. Precipitation: Cloud droplets fall as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. Infiltration / Percolation / Transpiration: Water soaks into ground, recharges aquifers, or is taken up by plants.
5. Collection & Storage: Runoff gathers in rivers, lakes, oceans, restarting the cycle.

This continuous movement regulates climate, distributes fresh water, and sustains ecosystems.