Instructions: 1. First READ the text carefully. 2. Then CREATE A DIAGRAM to take notes based on the information presented in the text. 3. Submit your diagram TEXT: Title: “The Water Cycle The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is an ongoing process by which water circulates on Earth. It is a crucial mechanism that redistributes water among various reservoirs, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and the atmosphere. The water cycle encompasses several key stages, namely evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, which collectively ensure the equilibrium of water on our planet. Evaporation is the initial phase of the water cycle, occurring when the sun's heat causes water to transition from a liquid state to a water vapour state. This energy from the sun enables the separation of water molecules, allowing them to escape into the atmosphere. Evaporation predominantly takes place from the Earth's surface, encompassing bodies of water, soil, and even living organisms. Consequently, the water vapour ascends into the atmosphere, leading to cloud formation and advancing the next stage of the water cycle. Condensation constitutes the second phase, whereby the moist air-carrying water vapour rises to higher altitudes and encounters cooler temperatures. This cooling effect prompts the condensation of water vapour into miniature water droplets or ice crystals, culminating in cloud formation. The process of condensation is vital for the creation of clouds, which then play a significant role in precipitation. Observing different cloud formations allows us to interpret specific weather conditions. During condensation, clouds grow and eventually generate rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation, signifying the next step in the water cycle. The final stage of the water cycle is precipitation, which denotes any form of water that descends from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. This encompasses rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Precipitation transpires when clouds become saturated with water droplets or ice crystals, reaching a point where they can no longer retain them. The type and size of precipitation are influenced by diverse factors such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Upon reaching the Earth, precipitation follows varying paths. Some water is absorbed by plants and utilized for growth, while other water flows over land as runoff, ultimately returning to oceans or other water bodies. This runoff is pivotal in replenishing freshwater sources and sustaining the water cycle. The water cycle is an incessant process that ensures the distribution and availability of water on Earth. Water continuously migrates between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. This cycle significantly contributes to regulating weather patterns, supporting ecosystems, and upholding the equilibrium of our planet's water resources. Comprehending the water cycle is vital for addressing water scarcity, managing water supplies, and safeguarding our environment. Understanding and promoting sustainable water management practices are crucial in ensuring water resources' long-term availability and quality for both human and ecological needs. By studying the water cycle and its intricate processes, we can develop strategies to conserve and protect this precious resource, mitigating the impacts of water scarcity and promoting a more sustainable future for our planet”.​