What term describes the flow of water from land surface into the subsurface through soil?

The term that describes the flow of water from the land surface into the subsurface through soil is infiltration. Infiltration occurs when water, primarily from precipitation or irrigation, seeps into the ground and permeates through the soil layers. This process is essential for recharging groundwater supplies, supporting plant growth by providing moisture to roots, and maintaining the hydrological cycle.

Infiltration is influenced by several factors including soil composition, structure, saturation levels, and vegetation. For instance, sandy soils typically allow water to infiltrate more quickly than clayey soils, which may retain water on the surface for longer periods because of their smaller particle size and compact nature.

Other related processes include percolation, which refers more specifically to the movement of water through the soil layers after infiltration has occurred, and evaporation and transpiration, which involve the movement of water from the surface back into the atmosphere rather than into the subsurface. Thus, infiltration is a key part of understanding how water interacts with the land and soil.