What is the term for when water moves downward through the soil profile?

Percolation refers to the process where water moves downward through the soil profile, typically after it has infiltrated the surface. This movement occurs through the soil's various layers, allowing water to reach deeper levels and contribute to the groundwater supply. Percolation is influenced by soil texture, structure, and moisture content, as well as the initial saturation levels of the soil.

Infiltration is a related concept but specifically describes the initial entry of water into the soil surface rather than its subsequent downward movement. Permeation is not a standard term used in water movement through soil; it generally refers to the ability of fluids to pass through materials but does not specifically address the downward movement through soil layers. Evaporation involves the transformation of water from liquid to vapor, which occurs at the soil surface or bodies of water. Thus, percolation is the precise term to describe the downward movement of water through the soil profile.