How does the water cycle work?

The water cycle (hydrological cycle) is the continuous movement of water through Earth's systems: 1. Evaporation: Sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers → water turns to vapor and rises into the atmosphere. 2. Transpiration: Plants release water vapor through their leaves (this plus evaporation = evapotranspiration). 3. Condensation: Water vapor cools as it rises → forms tiny droplets around dust particles → creates clouds. 4. Precipitation: When droplets combine and become heavy enough → rain, snow, sleet, or hail falls. 5. Collection/Runoff: Water flows into rivers, lakes, and oceans (surface runoff) or seeps into the ground (infiltration → groundwater). The cycle then repeats. The total amount of water on Earth remains constant — the same water has been cycling for billions of years.