Percolation is the process through which water moves through the soil and porous rock layers. In the water cycle, this phenomenon occurs after precipitation when rainwater or melted snow seeps into the ground. As the water infiltrates the soil, it moves downward through the soil layers and permeable rock, filling the spaces and voids within them.
This process is critical for replenishing groundwater supplies, as it allows water to enter aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock. Percolation also helps in filtering pollutants and impurities from the water, making it cleaner as it reaches deeper into the ground.
In summary, percolation plays a vital role in the water cycle by facilitating the movement of water through the soil, supporting the replenishment of groundwater, and enhancing water quality.