What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

The sun plays a crucial role in the water cycle by providing the necessary energy for evaporation. When sunlight heats up bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, the water molecules gain energy and begin to transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state, forming water vapor. This process is essential for the water cycle, as it initiates the movement of water from the surface into the atmosphere.

Once the water vapor rises and cools, it eventually condenses into clouds, leading to precipitation and subsequent return of water to the Earth's surface. Therefore, without the sun's energy to facilitate evaporation, the water cycle would not effectively operate, as there would be no movement of water into the atmosphere. This illustrates the vital function of the sun in sustaining and driving the processes within the water cycle.