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The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface. It involves various processes through which water is circulated and transformed between different states and reservoirs. The main steps of the water cycle are as follows:

1. Evaporation:

   The water cycle begins with evaporation, where heat energy from the Sun causes water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water to turn into water vapor or gas and rise into the atmosphere. Evaporation also occurs from plants through a process called transpiration.

2. Condensation:

   As the water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, it undergoes condensation and forms tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These condensation nuclei may include dust particles, pollutants, or aerosols. The result is the formation of clouds or fog.

3. Precipitation:

   When the water droplets or ice crystals in clouds become too heavy to stay suspended, they fall back to the Earth’s surface as precipitation. Precipitation can take various forms, including rain, snow, sleet, or hail. It replenishes water bodies, lands, and vegetation.

4. Runoff:

   Some precipitation runs off over the land surface, forming streams, rivers, and eventually flowing into lakes, reservoirs, and oceans. Runoff carries water and dissolved substances, such as nutrients and pollutants, from the land to water bodies.

5. Percolation:

   Infiltration occurs when precipitation soaks into the ground, replenishing soil moisture and groundwater. Water may percolate through layers of soil and rock, forming underground reservoirs called aquifers.

6. Transpiration:

   Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves. It contributes to the water vapor content in the atmosphere, and the cycle repeats as the water vapor undergoes evaporation once again.

7. Sublimation:

   In certain circumstances, water can undergo sublimation, where ice or snow directly converts into water vapor without transitioning into a liquid state. This process is more common in high-altitude areas or extremely dry environments.

The water cycle is a continuous and interconnected process that redistributes water across the Earth’s surface, replenishing both terrestrial and aquatic environments. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s water balance, regulating climate patterns, and supporting the survival of various ecosystems and life forms.