Which characteristic distinguishes the capillary fringe?

Which characteristic distinguishes the capillary fringe?

• A. It contains only non-porous materials
• B. It is located below the water table
• C. It can hold water above the water table
• D. It is permanently saturated

Answer: (C)

The capillary fringe is a zone above the water table where water is held in the soil due to capillary action. This area contains water even when it is not fully saturated like the water table below it. The defining feature of the capillary fringe is that it can hold water above the water table, in contrast to the areas further down, which are genuinely saturated with water. In understanding this concept, it becomes clear why the other options do not define the capillary fringe. The characteristic of containing only non-porous materials does not apply because the capillary fringe typically involves porous material that allows some degree of water movement. Its placement below the water table mischaracterizes it, as the capillary fringe is found just above the water table. Lastly, claiming that it is permanently saturated is incorrect; the water in the capillary fringe is subject to change based on evaporation, uptake by plants, and other physiological processes. Thus, the ability of the capillary fringe to hold water above the water table underscores its importance in the hydrological cycle and in the functionality of aquifers and soil moisture dynamics.

The capillary fringe is a zone above the water table where water is held in the soil due to capillary action. This area contains water even when it is not fully saturated like the water table below it. The defining feature of the capillary fringe is that it can hold water above the water table, in contrast to the areas further down, which are genuinely saturated with water.

In understanding this concept, it becomes clear why the other options do not define the capillary fringe. The characteristic of containing only non-porous materials does not apply because the capillary fringe typically involves porous material that allows some degree of water movement. Its placement below the water table mischaracterizes it, as the capillary fringe is found just above the water table. Lastly, claiming that it is permanently saturated is incorrect; the water in the capillary fringe is subject to change based on evaporation, uptake by plants, and other physiological processes.

Thus, the ability of the capillary fringe to hold water above the water table underscores its importance in the hydrological cycle and in the functionality of aquifers and soil moisture dynamics.