What is the process of water movement through soil called?

The process of water movement through soil is best described by the term "percolation." This term specifically refers to the downward flow of water through soil and rock layers, where water moves through the spaces or voids between particles. Percolation is essential in various environmental processes, including groundwater recharge, as it allows water to move into deeper soil layers and aquifers.

This process differs from infiltration, which is the initial entry of water into the soil surface. While filtration often refers to the removal of particles from a liquid, typically using a filter medium, and absorption pertains to the process by which plants take up water and nutrients, percolation accurately focuses on the movement of water through the soil matrix over time. Thus, the distinction between these terms helps clarify the specific processes involved in the hydrologic cycle and soil-water interactions.