The more permeable, the more precipitation seeps into the ground. If precipitation occurs faster than it can infiltrate the ground, it becomes runoff . Runoff remains on the surface and flows into streams, rivers, and eventually large bodies such as lakes or the ocean. Infiltrated groundwater moves similarily as it recharges rivers and heads towards large bodies of water. As both of these processes are happening, the power of the sun is driving this cycle by causing evaporation .
Evaporation is the change of liquid water to a vapor.
Sunlight aids this process as it raises the temperature of liquid water in oceans and lakes. As the liquid heats, molecule are released and change into a gas. Warm air rises up into the atmosphere and becomes the vapor involved in condensation. Considering so little of the water on earth is drinkable to people, it is amazing the supply has survived as long as it has. The hydrologic cycle continues to move water and keep sources fresh.