The water cycle is the natural process by which water moves through the environment. It begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, rivers, and lakes turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. This vapor cools and condenses to form clouds. Eventually, it falls back to the Earth as precipitation, such as rain or snow. The water then collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans, or seeps into the ground, and the cycle continues. This continuous movement of water supports life and helps regulate the Earth's climate.