The scientific term for the process of water evaporating is "evaporation." Evaporation occurs when molecules at the surface of a liquid gain enough energy to escape into the atmosphere as vapor. Factors influencing this process include temperature, humidity, and air movement. Evaporation is a vital part of the water cycle, contributing to processes like precipitation and cloud formation. It also plays a role in temperature regulation within ecosystems, as evaporation from surfaces like lakes and oceans helps to cool the environment and maintain balance in weather patterns.