What is the upper level of the water-saturated zone in the soil called?

The upper level of the water-saturated zone in the soil is referred to as the water table. This term is used to describe the boundary between the saturated zone, where all the available pore spaces in the soil or rock are filled with water, and the unsaturated zone, where the pore spaces contain both air and water. The water table can fluctuate according to factors such as rainfall, drought, and human activities like groundwater extraction.

In the context of groundwater and soil science, understanding the water table is essential because it affects various factors, including plant growth, soil moisture levels, and the availability of water for wells and other uses. When it is positioned near the surface, it can influence surface water bodies, wetlands, and soil health, whereas a deeper water table may indicate a low water availability in that particular area.