[[1]] is one of the three main processes that make up the global water cycle, together with evaporation and condensation.

The global water cycle is the continuous movement of water through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and underground. It involves three main processes: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor, which rises into the atmosphere. The sun's energy drives this process, as it heats up the Earth's surface, causing water to evaporate from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere is converted back into liquid water. This occurs when the water vapor cools and forms clouds.

Precipitation is the process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Precipitation occurs when the water droplets in the clouds become too heavy and fall to the ground due to gravity.