What role does condensation play in the water cycle?

Condensation plays a critical role in the water cycle as it is the process through which water vapor in the atmosphere transforms into liquid water, leading to the formation of clouds. This process is essential because as warm, moist air rises, it cools, and the water vapor condenses around tiny particles in the atmosphere, such as dust or smoke. This accumulation of water droplets results in cloud formation.

When enough water vapor condenses, the droplets combine to form larger droplets, which can eventually fall to the earth as precipitation in various forms including rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This is a fundamental step in the water cycle as it is directly linked to replenishing water on the earth's surface, contributing to rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies.

Understanding this process emphasizes its importance not just in the formation of weather systems but also in maintaining the overall hydrological balance of the planet, making option B the correct choice.