Final answer:
The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, driven by solar energy. Water evaporates from surface bodies, condenses in the atmosphere, and returns as precipitation. It then follows paths such as runoff or groundwater recharge, constantly circulating and sustaining life on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the process by which water travels from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again. This process is primarily driven by solar energy, which heats up water in oceans, rivers, and lakes causing it to evaporate. When water changes from liquid to vapor, it enters the atmosphere where it cools and condenses into clouds. Eventually, this water falls back to the Earth as precipitation in the form of rain or snow.
Once on the ground, water can take various paths. Some of it will feed into rivers and streams and eventually makes its way back to the oceans, a process known as surface runoff. Other portions of this water will penetrate the ground, becoming groundwater, which may enter aquifers and can be stored for long periods of time. Water can also be absorbed by plants and later released back into the atmosphere through transpiration. Thus, the cycle continues indefinitely without any beginning or an end, constantly recycling Earth's water supply.