The main source of energy that drives the water cycle comes from the Sun.
1. The Sun provides the energy needed to power the water cycle through a process called solar radiation.
2. Solar radiation warms the Earth's surface, causing water to evaporate from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
3. This water vapor rises into the atmosphere, cools down, condenses into clouds, and eventually falls back to the Earth as precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail).
4. The continuous cycle of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation is driven by the energy from the Sun, making it the primary source of energy for the water cycle.
In summary, the Sun's energy is crucial in driving the water cycle by providing the heat necessary for evaporation to occur, ultimately leading to the continuous movement of water on Earth.
