What is the process of the water cycle that involves the transformation of water vapor back into liquid?

The process of the water cycle that involves the transformation of water vapor back into liquid is condensation. This occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes phase from a gas to a liquid, often forming clouds. Condensation is crucial because it leads to the formation of precipitation, which is when the condensed liquid water falls back to Earth in forms such as rain, snow, or sleet.

Understanding how condensation works is essential in grasping the larger water cycle, as it illustrates how water is continuously recycled within the environment. Evaporation refers to the process where liquid water turns into vapor, while infiltration involves water soaking into the ground. Precipitation, on the other hand, is the result of condensation but does not describe the phase change of water vapor back to liquid.