Band 8+: The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram illustrates the process of rain formation in the water cycle.

Overall, the water cycle consists of four main stages, beginning with water evaporation and ending with the collection of rainwater, which eventually returns to the ocean.

In the first stage, around 80% of the water vapor in the atmosphere originates from the ocean through the process of evaporation, driven by the sun’s heat. This vapor rises into the air and condenses to form clouds.

Once the clouds become saturated with water vapor, they enter the precipitation stage, releasing water in the form of rain.

After falling to the ground, rainwater follows different routes. Some of it flows directly into rivers and lakes through surface runoff, while some infiltrates the soil and passes through several porous layers underground. Eventually, this water also reaches rivers and lakes. From there, it moves toward the ocean, sometimes encountering saltwater intrusion, thus completing the cycle.