Which way does water move once it passes through the zone of saturation? A. Sideways B. Up C. It stops moving. D. Down

Once water passes through the zone of saturation, it typically continues to move sideways through the soil or rock layers, following the path of least resistance due to gravity and pressure. This lateral movement can feed into nearby rivers, lakes, or aquifers, influencing local ecosystems and water availability. Additionally, when water accumulates in the zone of saturation, it can also eventually make its way up through a process known as capillary rise, particularly in certain soil types that facilitate this movement. This dynamic interplay between lateral and vertical movement helps sustain plant life and maintain groundwater levels.