1. The hydrologic cycle begins with either transpiration or the evaporation of water from the surface of the ocean.
2. As moist air is lifted, it cools and water vapour condenses to form clouds.
3. Moisture is transported until it returns to the surface as precipitation.
4. When water reaches the ground, either some of the water may evaporate back into the atmosphere or the water may penetrate the surface and become groundwater.
5. Groundwater either seeps its way to into the oceans, rivers and streams or is released back into the atmosphere through transpiration.
6. The balance of water that remains on the earth's surface empties into lakes, rivers and streams and is later carried back to the oceans, where the cycle begins again.
