← All explanationsScience / Guided walkthrough / 06 STEPS
Where does the rain go next?
Follow water through the atmosphere, across the land, and below the surface.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXPLANATION01 / 06
STEP 01Water moves into the air
Energy from the sun helps liquid water become water vapor. Plants also release water through transpiration.
STEP 02Clouds take shape
Water vapor can condense into droplets. Clouds can also contain ice crystals.
STEP 03Water returns to the surface
Water falls as rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation when conditions allow.
STEP 04Some water travels over land
Water can flow across the surface and through streams and rivers toward larger bodies of water.
STEP 05Some water enters the ground
Water can soak into soil and move into groundwater. It may remain stored or later return to surface water.
STEP 06There is more than one path
Oceans, air, ice, soil, and groundwater store water. Transfers between them form a connected system rather than a single simple circuit.
THE COMPLETE EXPLANATION
Follow the thinking.
01Water moves into the air
Energy from the sun helps liquid water become water vapor. Plants also release water through transpiration.
02Clouds take shape
Water vapor can condense into droplets. Clouds can also contain ice crystals.
03Water returns to the surface
Water falls as rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation when conditions allow.
04Some water travels over land
Water can flow across the surface and through streams and rivers toward larger bodies of water.
05Some water enters the ground
Water can soak into soil and move into groundwater. It may remain stored or later return to surface water.
06There is more than one path
Oceans, air, ice, soil, and groundwater store water. Transfers between them form a connected system rather than a single simple circuit.
