What is the phenomenon where water moves against gravity in narrow spaces called?

The phenomenon where water moves against gravity in narrow spaces is called capillary action. This occurs due to a combination of cohesive forces between water molecules and adhesive forces between the water molecules and the surfaces of the narrow spaces, such as the sides of a thin tube or the spaces between soil particles.

In capillary action, the adhesive forces draw the water molecules up along the surfaces, while cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, facilitating the movement of water in a continuous column. This phenomenon is particularly important in biological systems, such as the transport of water from roots to leaves in plants, enabling them to access necessary nutrients and maintain hydration.

While cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules themselves, and adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and other surfaces, it is the combination of both that leads to capillary action, making it distinctly applicable to the movement against gravity in narrow spaces.