Hydrologic Cycle

The hydrologic cycle is a gigantic system powered by energy from the sun, in which the atmosphere serves as the vital link between the oceans and continents. Water moves through the world ecosystem by the physical processes of evaporation, precipitation and transpiration. Water on the planet's surface absorbs radiant energy from the sun, evaporates into the atmosphere, and returns to the oceans and the continents through rain, snow and other forms of precipitation.

The water that falls into the ocean has ended its cycle and is ready to begin another cycle. The water that falls on the continents takes a more complex route on its way back to the ocean.