Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor or gas. In the water cycle, evaporation occurs when sunlight warms the surface of the water, causing the water molecules to move faster and eventually turn into water vapor. This water vapor then rises into the atmosphere, where it can eventually condense into clouds and fall back to the Earths surface as precipitation.

Here are some key points about evaporation in the water cycle:

• Evaporation is one of the three main steps in the global water cycle, along with precipitation and condensation.
• Water evaporation is a physical process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.
• Evaporation from the oceans accounts for about 80% of the water delivered as precipitation, with the remaining balance occurring on land, inland waters, and plant surfaces.
• The rate of evaporation depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area.
• Evaporation is an important part of the water cycle because it helps to regulate the Earths temperature and distribute water around the planet.

In summary, evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor or gas, and it plays a crucial role in the water cycle by helping to distribute water around the planet and regulate the Earths temperature.