The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. It is a biogeochemical cycle that involves the following stages:

• Evaporation: This is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor and enters the atmosphere. It occurs when the sun heats up water bodies such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing the water to turn into water vapor and rise into the air.

• Condensation: This is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid form, forming clouds.

• Precipitation: This is the process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earths surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

• Infiltration: This is the process by which precipitation soaks into the ground and becomes groundwater.

• Surface Runoff: This is the process by which water flows over the surface of the Earth and into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The hydrological cycle is driven by solar energy and is essential for the maintenance of most life and ecosystems on the planet. It also plays a role in reshaping the geological features of the Earth, through processes including erosion and sedimentation.