After The Rain Has Passed

The rain has stopped, and the ground smells sweet and fresh. The clouds are breaking apart to let streaks of sunlight in. Huge drops of rain that have gathered on the tress and are merging, and as they do, they fall to the ground with loud splashes. Safe from the storm, the birds continue their songs of triumph. Rain is liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then precipitated—that is, become heavy enough to fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth. It provides suitable conditions for many types of ecosystems, as well as water for hydroelectric power plants and crop irrigation.