What term describes the movement of soil water towards the water table?

The movement of soil water towards the water table is best described by the term "percolation." This process involves the downward movement of water through the soil layers due to gravity. As water infiltrates the soil surface, it continues to move downwards through the soil profile, reaching a point where it accumulates in the saturated zone known as the water table.

Infiltration refers specifically to the initial entry of water into the soil from the surface, which is the first step before percolation occurs. Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor and leaving the soil or water surfaces, while transpiration refers to the release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere. Therefore, percolation correctly identifies the specific movement of water through the soil layers down to the water table, distinguishing it from related processes that do not involve this downward journey through the soil.