What type of soil water moves primarily by the force of gravity?

Free water is the type of soil water that moves primarily by the force of gravity. This water is not held tightly in the soil particles and can freely drain through the soil profile. When excess precipitation occurs, or when the soil is saturated, free water will move downward due to gravitational pull. This movement is crucial for understanding drainage and stormwater management, as it affects how quickly soil can release excess water, influencing both erosion and agricultural practices.

In contrast, capillary water is held in the soil's micropores and moves through soil by capillary action rather than gravity. Hygroscopic water is tightly bound to soil particles and is unavailable to plants, as it does not move freely through the soil matrix. Geosynthetics, on the other hand, are synthetic materials used in civil engineering to improve soil properties or facilitate drainage, but they do not refer to a type of soil water. Understanding the differences between these types of water is essential for effective soil and stormwater management.