Question

Which processes of the water cycle return water vapor directly to the atmosphere?

Answer 1

The process of evaporation returns water back into the environment. As the sun heats the water it will begin to evaporate and turn into water vapor that rises into the clouds to be rained down again by the process of condensation.

Answer 2

Evaporation happens once the water vapor starts to return directly into the atmosphere. As water heats up due to the sun, it becomes a type of gas, and air will lead it towards the atmosphere since gas is accompanied by air - which is a type of gas. This leads to evaporation which then turns into rain - a form of water - once again. Thus, effectively making the cycle.