The common term for the process of evaporation is simply "evaporation." This natural process involves the change of a substance from a liquid state to a gaseous state, primarily occurring when a liquid absorbs enough heat energy. In the context of water, evaporation plays a significant role in the water cycle by allowing water from oceans, lakes, and rivers to transform into water vapor and enter the atmosphere. Factors influencing evaporation include temperature, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed. Evaporation is not only vital for weather patterns but also affects various biological and ecological processes, including plant transpiration and climate regulation.