The Infinite Loop
The Earth is a master of recycling. Every drop of rain that falls on your head has been here for billions of years. It may have once been inside a dinosaur’s water bowl or part of an ancient iceberg. This movement of water between the ground and the sky is called the Water Cycle.
The Escape Artist
It all starts with the Sun. When sunlight hits the ocean, it gives water molecules enough energy to break free from the liquid and turn into a gas called water vapor. This is evaporation. The salt and dirt stay behind in the ocean, which is why rain is fresh water even when it comes from the salty sea.
Building a Cloud
As the warm water vapor rises, it begins to cool down. When it gets cold enough, it huddles together around tiny specks of dust or salt to turn back into liquid. This is condensation. Trillions of these tiny droplets clump together to form the clouds we see floating above.