The Water Cycle illustrating key processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

- Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into water vapor due to solar energy.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools in the atmosphere and forms clouds.
- Precipitation: Water falls from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Runoff: Water flows over the land surface into streams, rivers, and eventually back to oceans.
- Infiltration: Water seeps into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.
- Groundwater flow: Water moves slowly through underground aquifers toward surface water bodies.
- Transpiration: Plants absorb groundwater and release water vapor into the atmosphere.
- Sublimation: Ice and snow turn directly into water vapor without melting.
- Snowmelt runoff: Melted snow flows over land into streams and rivers.
- Streamflow: Water moves through rivers and streams, carrying it toward larger bodies of water.
- Groundwater storage: Water is stored underground in porous rock and soil layers.
- Plant uptake: Roots absorb water from the soil for plant growth and transpiration.
- Surface runoff: Water flows across the land surface after precipitation.
- Fog drip: Water droplets from fog fall to the ground, contributing to soil moisture.
- Dew: Water vapor condenses on cool surfaces at night, adding moisture to the ground.
- Vents and volcanoes: Release water vapor and other gases from Earth’s interior into the atmosphere.
- Volcanic steam: Water vapor emitted during volcanic eruptions contributes to atmospheric moisture.