What is meant by percolation?

Percolation refers to the movement of water through soil or a porous medium, often involving the process of dissolving substances as the water moves. This concept is crucial in understanding groundwater replenishment, soil saturation, and the natural filtration processes that occur in ecosystems. As water percolates through layers of soil and rock, it can carry various dissolved minerals and nutrients, contributing to the overall chemical composition of groundwater. This process plays a significant role in both the hydrological cycle and the way pollutants can be filtered or transported through environmental systems.