As part of the water cycle, water enters the atmosphere as a gas through which process?

Water enters the atmosphere as a gas through the process of transpiration. This process involves the movement of water from the soil, through plants, and ultimately into the atmosphere as water vapor. During transpiration, water is absorbed by plant roots from the soil, travels through the plant, and is released into the air through tiny pores, known as stomata, located on the leaves. This release of water vapor is a crucial component of the water cycle, as it contributes to the overall moisture in the atmosphere.

In contrast, condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets, forming clouds. Precipitation refers to the process of water falling from the atmosphere back to the Earth's surface in forms like rain or snow. Seepage describes the process of water moving downward through soil layers. Understanding these various processes helps clarify how water cycles through the environment.