The water cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The sun evaporates water from oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning it into vapor which rises and forms clouds. Water falls as rain or snow and returns to oceans, lakes, and rivers, where it may be evaporated again and continue the cycle.

1. The Water Cycle

2. Sunshine
 The sun will shine
on water located in
various areas
making it warmer.
This causes the
water to eventually
turn into vapour.
This vapour
becomes a cloud.

3. Evaporation
 Evaporation occurs
when the sun heats
water turning it into
water vapour. This
vapor leaves its
source and
becomes part of a
cloud.

4. Rain
 As evaporation
occurs, the water
vapour becomes
clouds. These clouds
get so full of water
that water droplets
(rain) starts to fall. It
falls onto the ground
and into lakes,
rivers,and streams.

5. Snow
 When the air is
really cold, it might
snow rather than
rain. It will remain
on top of the ground
until it melts. It will
then turn into water
and run into streams
and rivers.

6. Mountains and Ice
 The snow that falls
onto mountains may
turn into ice
because of the cold
temperatures. This
ice and snow may
form glaciers.

7. Rivers and Streams
 Rivers and steams
carry water to
reservoirs, lakes
and finally to the
ocean. Many carry
the water thousands
of miles.

8. Oceans
 Oceans cover about ¾
of the surface of the
Earth. When the fresh
water gets to the ocean
it mixes and becomes
salty. The sun shines
on the oceans and
warms the water. The
water becomes vapour
and forms a cloud and
the cycle begins again!!