Which stage of the hydrological cycle involves the transformation of water from liquid to vapor?

The transformation of water from liquid to vapor is a crucial process in the hydrological cycle known as evaporation. During this stage, water is heated by the sun, which causes it to gain energy and change its state from liquid to vapor. This process occurs from various surfaces such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and even soil.

Evaporation not only contributes to the movement of water into the atmosphere but also plays a significant role in regulating local temperatures and forming clouds, which can eventually lead to precipitation. Understanding this process emphasizes the continuous movement of water within the hydrological cycle, highlighting its importance in maintaining ecosystems and weather patterns.

In contrast, condensation refers to the process where water vapor cools and transforms back into liquid, leading to cloud formation. Infiltration is the process by which water soaks into the soil, while runoff pertains to water that flows over land surfaces into bodies of water. These terms describe different stages in the hydrological cycle but do not involve the transition of water directly from liquid to vapor.