Explanation

Water cycles continuously: evaporation (liquid to gas from oceans, lakes, soil), transpiration (plants release water vapor), condensation (vapor forms clouds), precipitation (rain, snow returns water to earth), collection (in bodies of water and groundwater).

Sun powers the cycle by providing energy for evaporation. No new water is created – the same water molecules recycle endlessly. This connects all ecosystems globally.

Human impacts: pollution contaminates water at any stage, deforestation reduces transpiration and affects rainfall, dams alter water flow. Water conservation is essential as freshwater is limited.