How does water get back to the sea?

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Water gets back to the sea through a variety of processes, including:

* Evaporation: Water evaporates from the oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water into the atmosphere.

* Transpiration: Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through their leaves.

* Sublimation: Ice and snow can turn directly into water vapor without first melting.

* Condensation: Water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into clouds.

* Precipitation: Water falls from the clouds to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

* Runoff: Water flows over the land surface and into streams and rivers.

* Infiltration: Water seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.

* Percolation: Groundwater can move through the ground and eventually discharge into the ocean.

The water cycle is a continuous process that is essential for life on Earth. It provides us with the fresh water we need to drink, grow food, and generate electricity. The water cycle also helps to regulate the Earth's climate.