What is the term for the process when water passes through porous soil?

The process when water passes through porous soil is known as percolation. This term specifically refers to the movement of water through the spaces between soil particles or through rock layers, allowing it to filter downwards. Percolation is a key component of the water cycle and is crucial for groundwater recharge, as it determines how water moves from the surface down to the groundwater aquifers.

In this context, understanding percolation is important because it influences soil moisture, agricultural practices, and the availability of groundwater resources. It highlights how water not only saturates the soil but also continues its journey deeper, providing essential hydration to plants and ecosystems.

While infiltration refers to the initial entry of water into the soil surface, percolation encompasses the ongoing movement through the soil layers. Filtration usually pertains to the removal of impurities from liquids, and evaporation involves the transition of water from a liquid to a vapor, which are different processes altogether. Thus, percolation accurately describes this particular movement of water through porous soil.