The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It involves several processes, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Water from oceans, rivers, and lakes evaporates into the atmosphere, forming water vapor. As the vapor rises, it cools and condenses into clouds. Eventually, the water falls back to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow. This water collects in bodies of water, soil, and underground reservoirs, completing the cycle and allowing it to start again.