This document explains the water cycle through diagrams and text. It describes the four main parts of the water cycle as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff/accumulation. Evaporation occurs as the sun heats water, turning it into water vapor. Condensation happens as water vapor cools and condenses into droplets, forming clouds. Precipitation occurs when water falls back to earth as rain, snow, sleet or hail. Runoff/accumulation describes water flowing over land and collecting in rivers, lakes and oceans, completing the cycle. The water cycle is an endless process as water is recycled between the earth's surface and atmosphere.