What is the name for water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers?

Groundwater refers to water that infiltrates into the ground, filling the spaces and cracks within soil and rock layers. This water is crucial for various ecosystems and serves as a significant source of drinking water for many communities. Groundwater resides beneath the Earth's surface and is stored in aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediment. This water moves slowly through the soil and rock, replenishing itself from precipitation and surface water that seeps down. Understanding groundwater is vital for managing water resources and maintaining environmental balance, as it plays an essential role in maintaining river flows and wetland ecosystems.