vadose

adj

1. (not-comparable)Of or pertaining to water beneath the surface of the earth which is located above the level of the permanent groundwater.

   “The seep lay high up among the ledges, vadose water dripping down the slick black rock and monkeyflower and deathcamas hanging in a small perilous garden. The water that reached the canyon floor was no more than a trickle and they leaned by turns with pursed lips to the stone like devouts at a shrine.”

   “Research has shown bone apatite to undergo chemical exchange with carbonates in either vadose water or groundwater.”