1. Evaporation
The sun heats up the water in the ocean
and transforms it into water vapour
(an invisible gas suspended in the air).

2. Cloud formation
The water vapour rises and cools.
This transforms it into tiny water
droplets, which form clouds.
The wind pushes these clouds over
the land.

3. Precipitation
Water falls from the clouds in
the form of rain or, if it's colder,
as snow, sleet or hail.

4. Collection
When the water falls to the ground,
it collects in streams and rivers
or seeps into the earth (groundwater).

5. Back to the sea
The streams flow into rivers
which flow into the sea.

And the cycle starts all over again!