Definition
The downward movement of water from the atmosphere into the ground.
Description
Infiltration is the transition from the surface to subsurface. Only a portion of water infiltrating into the subsurface percolates down to the groundwater system as some water is retained in the unsaturated zone or is lost through evapotranspiration.
Why is infiltration important?
Infiltration allows a portion of the surface runoff to enter the subsurface.
