vadose

adjective

Of, relating to, or being water that is located in the zone of aeration in the earth’s crust above the groundwater level.

Shallow: specifically applied to those ground waters which seep into rocks and soil from the surface, as opposed to the construction waters which were built into the rocks at the time of their formation.

adjective

Of or pertaining to water beneath the surface of the earth which is located above the level of the permanent groundwater.