What Happens to Rain That Doesn't Reach the Ground?

We all know what it’s like to wade through a treacherous puddle or be soaked by a surprise thunderstorm—but the deluges that dampen our days make up only a fraction of the atmosphere’s total rainfall.

In fact, MinuteEarth explains, most rain never even reaches the ground. Since around 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, it only makes sense that some of this precipitation lands in bodies of water, like oceans. But according to computer simulations, around 40 percent of falling rain simply disappears back into the sky. Meanwhile, the drops that do make the long journey to Earth mostly land on forest canopies, and are either evaporated or sucked up by a thirsty tree’s roots.

Learn more about this surprising natural cycle below:

[h/t MinuteEarth]