How does the water cycle work?

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It consists of several stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff. Water evaporates from oceans, rivers, and lakes due to heat from the Sun. This water vapour rises, cools, and condenses into clouds. When the clouds become saturated, precipitation occurs in the form of rain, snow, or hail. Some of this water infiltrates the ground, replenishing aquifers, while the rest flows back into water bodies, completing the cycle. This process is essential for maintaining life and regulating Earth’s climate.