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.