The cycle of water evaporation and precipitation is known as the water cycle or hydrological cycle. This continuous process involves the evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, and rivers, where it transforms into vapor and rises into the atmosphere. As the vapor cools, it condenses to form clouds, leading to precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or other forms of moisture that eventually returns to the Earth's surface. Understanding the water cycle is crucial for studying climate patterns, weather phenomena, and the distribution of freshwater resources.