Summarize the hydrologic cycle.

The hydrologic cycle, also known as the water cycle, is a continuous process in which water circulates between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. It involves several stages, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff.

To summarize the hydrologic cycle, here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Evaporation: Heat from the sun causes water from rivers, lakes, and oceans to change from a liquid to a gaseous state, called water vapor. This process occurs when the energy from the sun's rays is sufficient to convert liquid water into vapor.

2. Condensation: As the warm, moist air rises into the atmosphere, it cools down. The water vapor then begins to condense, forming tiny water droplets or ice crystals, collectively known as clouds. This process typically takes place higher up in the atmosphere where it is cooler.

3. Precipitation: When condensation continues and the water droplets or ice crystals become too heavy to remain in the air, they fall to the Earth's surface as precipitation. This can include rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions.

4. Infiltration: Once precipitation reaches the surface, it can either be absorbed into the ground or flow over the land as surface runoff. Infiltration occurs when water seeps into the soil, moving through tiny spaces between soil particles and eventually reaching underground aquifers or becoming groundwater.

5. Runoff: If the soil becomes saturated, or if the precipitation is too intense, water will flow over the land as surface runoff. It collects in rivers, streams, and eventually makes its way back to the oceans, completing the cycle.

The hydrologic cycle is a natural process that continuously redistributes and recycles water on Earth, ensuring a constant supply of freshwater for various ecosystems and human activities.