The water cycle is the process of water moving between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and underground. It's also known as the hydrologic cycle. 

Steps in the water cycle

1. Evaporation

The sun heats water in lakes, rivers, and oceans, causing it to evaporate into the air as water vapor. Plants and trees also lose water through their leaves. 

2. Condensation

Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into water droplets. 

3. Precipitation

When enough water droplets merge, they fall out of the clouds as rain or snow. 

4. Infiltration

Water moves through the soil, where it's affected by the soil's porosity and permeability. 

5. Sublimation

Frozen water in glaciers and other large ice forms changes directly into water vapor. 

Importance of the water cycle

The water cycle is vital for life on Earth and plays a key role in regulating the climate. It also affects all life processes on Earth, either directly or indirectly. 

Climate change impact

Climate change is one of the biggest issues affecting the water cycle. Rising global temperatures are changing precipitation patterns, leading to more intense rainfall in some areas and extended droughts in others.