The water cycle has four stages:nn1. Evaporation: Water evaporates from the surface of the earth into the atmosphere.nn2. Condensation: Water vapor condenses into clouds in the atmosphere.nn3. Precipitation: Clouds release precipitation in the form of rain, sleet, or snow, which falls back to the surface of the earth.nn4. Runoff and Infiltration: Some of the precipitation runs off the surface of the earth into rivers and lakes, while some of it soaks into the ground.