What process involves stormwater entering the soil and contributing to groundwater recharge?

Infiltration is the process whereby stormwater seeps into the soil and contributes to the replenishment of groundwater supplies. This occurs when precipitation or runoff permeates the ground, moving through the soil layers and ultimately reaching the water table. Infiltration plays a critical role in maintaining the hydrologic balance of an area, as it not only reduces surface runoff—thus minimizing flooding and erosion—but also effectively recharges aquifers that are vital sources of drinking water.

The other processes listed do not fulfill the criteria of stormwater entering the soil to support groundwater recharge. Evaporation refers to the transformation of liquid water into vapor, leaving the soil and contributing to atmospheric moisture rather than groundwater. Surface runoff is the flow of excess water over the ground, which can lead to erosion and does not contribute to groundwater recharge. Transpiration is the process where plants absorb water through roots and release water vapor into the atmosphere, which relates more to water loss rather than direct contribution to groundwater. Thus, infiltration is the defining process that aligns with stormwater entering the soil and facilitating groundwater recharge.