The water cycle water cycle, cycle that involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth - atmosphere system . Of the many processes involved in the water cycle, the most important are evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. water cycle processes 1.Precipitation Precipitation is a key part of the water cycle , connecting the ocean, land, and atmosphere 1 2 3 4 5 . It includes various forms such as rain, sleet, and snow. Here's how it works: Water evaporates from the surface of the earth. It rises into the atmosphere. It cools and condenses into clouds. Clouds release precipitation back to the surface 2.Run off The flow of water across the earth's surface 1 . Precipitation that falls on the land and flows overland into rivers, which then empty into the oceans 2 . Water that replenishes groundwater and surface water as it percolates into an aquifer or moves into a river, stream, or watershed 3 . 3.Infiltration the action...