What is the Water Cycle?

The water cycle is the transfer of water from the ground to the air, and back down. Clouds form because of the water cycle.

Evaporation

Evaporation is the first part of the water cycle. Water from the ground turns into a gas form(water vapor) and makes its way up towards the sky. Respiration is the process of plants releasing carbon dioxide and water. The water that forms from respiration also evaporates.

Condensation

Condensation is the second part of the water cycle. Condensation is the process of water vapor turning  back into water. Clouds form water droplets that eventually fall to the ground.

Precipitation

Precipitation is the process of the water droplets that were formed during condensation to fall towards the Earth. Once clouds are filled with water, the water is too heavy for the clouds to hold. It falls to the Earth. This is called precipitation. Precipitation occurs in the form of rain, hail, snow, and sleet. The precipitation might fall into the ocean or land. If it falls into the land, it might make it’s way into the ocean through streams. It could also fall into a lake and become part of the water that animals live off of, or it could dissolve into the ground.