VADOSE ZONE

vadose zone: translation

1.The zone between the land surface and the water table [22].

2.The zone between the land surface and the deepest water table which includes the capillary fringe. Generally, water in this zone is under less than atmospheric pressure, and some of the voids may contain air or other gases at atmospheric pressure. Beneath flooded areas or in perched water bodies the water pressure locally may be greater than atmospheric [22].

When discussing a karst setting, it is preferable to use the term, vadose zone, so as to avoid confusion regarding chemical saturation. Synonym: unsaturated zone.See alsozone of aeration.