Unsaturated Flow

Unsaturated flow refers to the movement of water through soil or porous materials when not all the spaces between particles are filled with water. Instead, some spaces contain air. This process occurs when water infiltrates the ground, such as during rain, allowing water to travel through the soil layers. The water moves gradually downward due to gravity and can also move laterally, impacting how plants access moisture and affecting groundwater recharge. Understanding unsaturated flow is essential for managing water resources, agriculture, and environmental conservation.