What is the role of the Sun in the water cycle?

The Sun plays a crucial role in the water cycle by providing the energy required for evaporation. Sunlight heats the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, causing water to change from liquid to vapor and rise into the atmosphere. This process is called evaporation. As water vapor rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds. Eventually, the water falls back to Earth as precipitation in the form of rain or snow, completing the cycle. The Sun’s energy is essential for maintaining the movement of water through the atmosphere and hydrosphere.