How does the water cycle move moisture from oceans to land?
Quick Answer
Sunlight evaporates water from oceans and land, winds transport the water vapor, and it returns as rain or snow. Most of the moisture that falls on land originally evaporated from the ocean.
The Full Story
The water cycle is powered mainly by the Sun, which drives evaporation from oceans, lakes, and soils. Water vapor rises, cools, and condenses into clouds, then winds carry those clouds across regions and continents. Precipitation falls as rain or snow, and much of that water eventually runs back to rivers and oceans. Over a year, the atmosphere holds only a small amount of water at any moment, but it continually recycles through evaporation and precipitation.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The whole planet’s water is constantly on the move—here’s how it travels"