Evaporation is the process where liquid water absorbs heat and turns into water vapor. It is the initial step that sends water from Earth's surface into the atmosphere.

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and transforms into liquid droplets, forming clouds. This process is critical to the water cycle as it leads to precipitation.

Precipitation is the phase during which water falls from the atmosphere to Earth in various forms such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This process completes the cycle by returning water to the surface.

Transpiration is the process by which plants emit water vapor through tiny openings in their leaves. This release of moisture contributes to atmospheric humidity and cloud formation.

Collection is the stage where water accumulates in bodies like lakes, rivers, and oceans after falling as precipitation. This reservoir of water is later used in the evaporation process, continuing the cycle.

Runoff is the water that flows over the land's surface when the soil reaches saturation after heavy rainfall. It is important as it transports water to streams, rivers, and eventually oceans.

Higher temperatures provide more energy for water molecules to escape into the air as vapor, thus speeding up the process of evaporation. This is a key driver in the water cycle.

Clouds form when water vapor in the warm air rises and cools, causing the vapor to condense into tiny liquid droplets. This condensation accumulation creates the visible clouds seen in the sky.

Infiltration is the process where water from precipitation soaks into the soil, supporting groundwater recharge. This process is vital for maintaining soil moisture and sustaining plant life.

Sublimation is the process where frozen water changes directly into water vapor without becoming liquid first. This process occurs in cold regions and contributes to atmospheric moisture.

Deposition occurs when water vapor transforms directly into ice without first becoming liquid. This process is responsible for the formation of frost and contributes to snow formation.

Deforestation reduces the number of trees that release water vapor into the air through transpiration. This decrease can lower local humidity and subsequently reduce the amount of precipitation.

As warm, moist air rises and cools, the water vapor condenses into tiny droplets, forming clouds. The process is driven by the drop in temperature, making cooler conditions ideal for condensation.

Precipitation is critical because it delivers water from the atmosphere back to Earth in forms such as rain, snow, or hail. This process replenishes water in rivers, lakes, and soils across the globe.

Transpiration not only aids in the movement of water from soil to atmosphere but also plays a role in regulating local climate. The released water vapor contributes to cloud formation and overall environmental humidity.

Evaporation absorbs heat energy as it transforms liquid water into vapor, serving as a natural cooling process for the Earth's surface. This energy transfer is crucial in maintaining thermal balance in the environment.

Urban areas typically have extensive impervious surfaces that prevent water from seeping into the ground. This results in increased runoff, which can contribute to flooding and reduced groundwater recharge.

Collection refers to the phase in which water gathers in large bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans after precipitation. This stored water is later subject to evaporation, completing the water cycle.

Coalescence is the process where small water droplets collide and merge to form larger droplets. This enlargement process eventually leads to raindrops becoming heavy enough to fall from clouds as precipitation.

The water cycle is regarded as a closed system because it continuously recycles the same water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Despite changes in state and location, the total amount of water on Earth remains nearly constant.