What term describes water that falls from clouds and reaches the Earth's surface?

The term that describes water that falls from clouds and reaches the Earth's surface is precipitation. This process includes various forms of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that originate from the atmosphere and fall due to gravity. Precipitation is a crucial part of the water cycle, as it helps replenish water sources on land, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, and provides moisture necessary for plant growth and ecosystems to thrive.

Understanding precipitation is essential for grasping how weather patterns develop and the role they play in the Earth's climate. Without this process, the distribution of water across different environments would be significantly impacted, affecting agriculture, water supply, and natural habitats.