What are the main parts of the water cycle?

The water cycle consists of several key processes that describe how water moves through the environment. The correct answer identifies four fundamental processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration.

Evaporation is the process where water is transformed from liquid to vapor, typically occurring from bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers. This process allows water to enter the atmosphere.

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds. This is an essential step that leads to the next process in the cycle.

Precipitation is the stage when water falls from the atmosphere back to the Earth's surface in forms like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This replenishes water sources and is crucial for maintaining ecosystems.

Transpiration involves the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere, also contributing to the moisture in the air and influencing local weather patterns.

Combined, these processes create a continuous cycle of water movement through the environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. Understanding these components is vital for grasping the overall functioning of ecosystems and the impact of water in our environment.