Describe the water cycle.

The water cycle is fundamentally a continuous process that involves the transformation of water through different states and locations within the environment. It begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, and rivers turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere due to heat from the sun. This vapor accumulates and cools, leading to condensation, where it forms clouds. Eventually, the water falls back to the earth in the form of precipitation—rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

This cycle is crucial because it not only transfers water from one geographical location to another, but it also plays a critical role in regulating climate and supporting ecosystems. The process of evaporation and condensation maintains a balance in the water system, ensuring that water is reused efficiently in nature.

The other options focus on specific elements or effects of water but do not capture the full cyclical nature of the water cycle. The freezing and thawing of water, while related to the states of water, does not encompass the broader processes involved. The collection of water in oceans is a part of the water cycle but does not explain the transitions of water between states. Similarly, the distribution of rain across continents refers to the outcomes of the water cycle rather than its processes. Thus, the correct choice accurately describes the