The water cycle
The idea
Water moves among the atmosphere, land, and bodies of water. Evaporation and transpiration move water into the air; condensation forms droplets; precipitation returns water to Earth. Water can infiltrate soil, flow as runoff, or remain stored. The cycle has many paths rather than one fixed sequence.
Worked example
Rain on a hillside may soak into soil or flow toward a stream. Later, water may evaporate from the stream. Cloud droplets form when water vapor condenses under suitable conditions.
Another application
Snow can remain stored on a mountain, melt into runoff, infiltrate soil, and later enter a stream. A puddle can evaporate directly. Label arrows with processes rather than numbering one universal sequence.
A common misunderstanding
A simple circular diagram is a model, not a required itinerary for each drop. Water may remain stored or take a shorter path.
Try it yourself
Sketch a local landscape. Add arrows for precipitation, runoff, infiltration, evaporation, and transpiration. Include two places where water can be stored.
Check your understanding
Is every raindrop required to pass through a river before evaporating?
Reveal the explained answer
No. Water follows different routes and can evaporate from many surfaces.