What does condensation refer to in the water cycle?

Condensation in the water cycle specifically refers to the process where water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes into liquid water. This transition is essential for forming clouds, as the collected water droplets aggregate to create visible clouds in the sky. When the conditions are right, this process can lead to precipitation, such as rain or snow.

In the broader context of the water cycle, condensation is a critical stage that connects evaporation, where water turns into vapor, and precipitation, where that water returns to the Earth. Understanding this process highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of water in the environment, as it plays a key role in weather patterns and climate dynamics.

The other choices focus on different aspects of the water cycle but do not accurately represent what condensation is. For instance, the formation of clouds is a result of condensation, not the definition itself, while evaporation and runoff describe other processes that are integral to the cycle but distinct from condensation.