Unsaturated zone

The unsaturated zone, also known as the vadose zone, is the layer of soil and rock above the water table where the pores are not fully filled with water. Instead, this zone contains both air and water in varying amounts. Water in this area is held loosely and can move downward through gravity towards the saturated zone, where the groundwater resides. The unsaturated zone is crucial for understanding groundwater recharge, soil health, and plant growth, as it influences how water is absorbed and retained by the soil.