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Water is recycled again and again in the hydrologic cycle. Water accumulates, or gathers in lakes and oceans. When water reaches its vapor point it evaporates into the air. This gas travels upward until it reaches a cold thermal layer above the earth. The temperature of this air causes the warm gaseous water to cool and become liquid. This process is called condensation. Clouds are the result of condensation. As more water vapor condenses at the cold thermal layer, the water particles become large and heavy. These water molecules eventually fall out of the sky as rain, snow, hail, and sleet. This is called precipitation.
Instructions
Fill in the blanks to complete all four stages of the hydrologic cycle.
One of the stages is filled in for you.
