When is groundwater typically closest to the soil surface?

Groundwater is typically closest to the soil surface during the spring and fall due to seasonal variations in precipitation and plant water uptake.

In spring, melting snow and increased rainfall contribute to higher water tables as the ground becomes saturated, making groundwater more readily available near the surface. During this season, plants are actively growing, and the additional moisture from rainfall enhances the water level in aquifers.

Fall also sees groundwater levels rise as the summer evaporation rates decrease and rainfall begins to replenish the water table after the dry summer months. During this transition period, groundwater tends to be at or near its highest levels before winter sets in and the ground may freeze, reducing infiltration and groundwater recharge.

The other options, which refer to specific seasons or suggest that groundwater proximity is uniform throughout the year, do not accurately reflect the seasonal dynamics that influence groundwater levels. Therefore, spring and fall are the key times when groundwater is closest to the soil surface due to the combined factors of weather patterns and biological activity.