Water is always moving on Earth. It goes from oceans and lakes to the sky and back down again. This process is called the water cycle, and it never stops!
The water cycle has three main steps. First, the Sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers. This causes evaporation—the water turns into an invisible gas called water vapor and rises into the sky.
As water vapor rises, it gets colder. The vapor turns back into tiny water droplets, forming clouds. This step is called condensation.
Finally, when clouds hold too much water, it falls back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail. This is called precipitation. The water flows into rivers and oceans, and the cycle starts again!
The water cycle gives us fresh water to drink. It also helps plants grow and fills our rivers and lakes.
| Step | What Happens | Where It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation | Water turns to vapor | Oceans, lakes, rivers |
| Condensation | Vapor turns to droplets | In the sky (clouds) |
| Precipitation | Water falls as rain/snow | From clouds to ground |