5.2. THE WATER CYCLE

The energy from the Sun is the motor that powers the water cycle.

• Evaporation and evapotranspiration.
  Liquid water from oceans, rivers or lakes (evaporation) or from living things (evapotranspiration) changes to water vapor (gas).
• Condensation.
  Water vapor (gas) changes to liquid water forming clouds and dew.
• Precipitation.
  Liquid water in the clouds falls to the ground as rain (also liquid), snow (solid water) or hail (solid water).
• Surface run-off.
  Surface water moves across the land and forms rivers and streams.
• Infiltration.
  Water filters into the ground and flows underground through soil and rocks.