The Journey of Water

The water cycle describes how water moves through Earth's systems, changing between liquid, solid, and gas. Oceans, land, and the atmosphere are all connected by this cycle.

Steps of the Water Cycle

• Evaporation: Water turns into vapor and rises.
• Condensation: Vapor cools and forms clouds.
• Precipitation: Water falls as rain or snow.
• Runoff and Infiltration: Water returns to oceans, lakes, or underground.

Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions

Oceans absorb and store heat, releasing it slowly to the atmosphere. This helps regulate global temperatures and drive weather patterns like El Niño.

Why It Matters

Water cycle changes can lead to droughts, floods, or storms, affecting communities and ecosystems.