The water cycle is powered by the sun warming ocean water, causing evaporation and the formation of water vapor which condenses into clouds. As cloud droplets combine and grow heavier, precipitation falls into rivers, lakes and oceans to complete the cycle by allowing the sun to warm water and evaporate it again.

1. The Water Cycle

2. The Sun The sun’s energy is necessary to power the water cycle.

3. Evaporation The sun warms the water in the ocean, causing it to change from water (liquid) to water vapor (gas).

4. Condensation Once the warm gas hits the cooler air it changes back into a liquid and forms a cloud.

5. Tiny water droplets bounce around in the cloud. As they hit each other, they stick together and become larger.

6. Precipitation Once they become so heavy, the cloud can no longer hold them. It begins to precipitate.

7. Precipitation can be: Rain Snow Sleet Hail

8. Precipitation collects in: Rivers Lakes Oceans

9. Then what? Right! It starts all over again! That is why it is called a cycle.

10. Sun warms ocean water causing it to EVAPORATE. Water vapor CONDENSES to form clouds. Clouds become very heavy before beginning to PRECIPITATE. Precipitation collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The sun warms ocean water…