13.3.1 Water cycle

Last updated at July 3, 2026 by

💡 Water on the move

Water rises as vapour, gathers into clouds, falls as rain or snow and flows back to the sea — a loop now being reshaped by a warming climate.

What is the water cycle?
Water Cycle Water evaporates from seas and rivers It condenses into clouds It falls as rain, hail or snow It flows back to the ocean
  • Water evaporates from rivers, lakes and oceans and condenses into clouds; it returns as precipitation (rain, hail, snow) and flows back to the ocean.
  • Some water seeps through soil and rock (infiltration and groundwater), dissolving minerals and transporting nutrients to the sea to support marine life.
  • Climate change is reshaping it — a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture (heavier rains and droughts), melting glaciers raise sea levels, and less infiltration makes agriculture harder.

NCERT Question 3 — Explain how climate change affects

Explain how climate change affects the water cycle. Illustrate with examples.
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