Which process moves infiltrated water deeper into the ground to replenish groundwater?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Condensation
• C. Transpiration
• D. Percolation

Answer: (D)

Water moving downward through the soil to replenish groundwater is percolation. After water infiltrates the surface, gravity drives it downward through soil and any porous rock until it reaches the saturated zone, recharging aquifers. Evaporation, condensation, and transpiration involve water leaving the surface or atmosphere rather than sinking deeper to groundwater, so they don’t replenish groundwater.