's surface and the atmosphere in a process known as the water cycle. This cycle is driven by solar energy and involves several key stages.

1. Evaporation: The sun's heat causes water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water to evaporate and transform into water vapor. This process also occurs from the surface of plants through a process called transpiration.

2. Condensation: As the warm, moist air rises, it cools down in the atmosphere. The water vapor then condenses around tiny particles, forming clouds.

3. Precipitation: Once the water droplets in the clouds become too heavy, they fall to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

4. Runoff: When precipitation reaches the Earth's surface, it can flow over the land as runoff, eventually finding its way into rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

5. Infiltration: Some precipitation infiltrates into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies. This water can be absorbed by plant roots or seep deeper into the soil.

6. Transpiration: Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots and release it into the atmosphere through their leaves in a process called transpiration. This water then becomes part of the water vapor in the atmosphere, restarting the cycle.

7. Groundwater Flow: Some infiltrated water moves through the soil and rock layers, creating underground storage known as groundwater. This water may eventually flow back to the surface through springs or be drawn out by humans through wells.

The water cycle is a continuous process that ensures the availability of water on Earth. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems, supplying drinking water, and supporting various human activities.