During which step of the water cycle do clouds form and precipitation occur?

Clouds form and precipitation occurs during the process of condensation and precipitation in the water cycle. This step typically includes the cooling of water vapor in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of clouds as the vapor turns back into liquid water droplets. When these droplets combine and grow larger, they eventually fall to the earth as precipitation, which could be in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

This process is crucial because it helps to transfer water back to the Earth’s surface, replenishing groundwater, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, as well as affecting weather patterns. Understanding this step of the water cycle is essential for grasping broader concepts related to environmental science, meteorology, and the ecosystem's water supply.