Meteorology

The water cycle describes how water changes form and moves throughout Earth’s spheres. The cycling of water into and out of the atmosphere plays a major role in Earth’s weather patterns. The three main phases of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Evaporation

In its liquid form, water can be found in rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. When heat from the sun causes the water on Earth to warm up, some of it may evaporate into its gaseous form and enter the atmosphere. This is called evaporation.

Condensation

Once in the atmosphere, gaseous water begins to cool and change back into its liquid form. This process is called condensation, and it is responsible for the development of clouds.

Precipitation

When enough water has accumulated in the atmosphere, it may fall back to Earth in the form of precipitation. This precipitation may return directly to the oceans, lakes, and rivers, or it may fall on land where it will become groundwater that plants and animals (including humans) drink.