The recycling of water on earth. There are five steps: Condensation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere turns into a liquid and forms clouds. The clouds release precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or sleet when the moisture in the clouds becomes too heavy. Infiltration occurs when the water seeps into the ground, The infiltration rate depends on the permeability of the ground. When there is too much water on the surface to infiltrate into the ground, it becomes runoff and ends up in lakes, streams, or oceans. Evapotranspiration is a two part process driven by the sun. Evaporation occurs when water is turned into a vapor from the ground and transpiration is water loss by plants, The water vapor rises and starts the process over again.