Learn how water travels around our planet in a never-ending journey.
Water is always on the move! The water cycle is the continuous journey water takes from the Earth’s surface up into the atmosphere and back down again. It starts with evaporation โ the sun heats water in oceans, rivers and lakes, turning it into water vapour that floats invisibly into the air. As this vapour rises, it cools down and condenses into tiny droplets that group together to form clouds. When enough water droplets join together, they fall back to Earth as precipitation โ that means rain, snow, sleet or hail. This water flows into rivers and streams, soaks into the ground, or collects in oceans, and the whole cycle begins again. The water cycle keeps our planet’s water moving and is essential for all living things.