Final answer:
The water cycle begins with the evaporation or sublimation of water, followed by condensation into clouds, and precipitation back to Earth. Eventually, water may seep underground or become part of surface runoff, where it can evaporate and continue the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The journey of a drop of water through the water cycle begins with evaporation or sublimation caused by the sun's warming rays. This phase changes liquid water and ice to water vapor, which ascends into the atmosphere. Next, the water vapor condenses to form clouds in a process called condensation. Over time, these clouds lead to precipitation (rain, snow, or other forms), thus returning the water drop back to the Earth's surface. Once on the ground, the water drop can permeate into the soil as subsurface water flow, or become part of surface runoff and eventually flow into streams, lakes, and the ocean. The cycle is continuous as the water may once again evaporate and repeat the cycle.