Which term describes the horizontal distance from the ground surface to the bottom of a trench?

The term that accurately describes the horizontal distance from the ground surface to the bottom of a trench is "Depth." This term is commonly used in construction and civil engineering to quantify how deep a trench or excavation is relative to the surface level. Understanding this measurement is crucial for determining factors such as excavation safety, the placement of underground utilities, and ensuring proper drainage.

While “Invert” refers to the lowest point of a piping system, typically inside the pipe itself, and “Cover” relates to the vertical distance from the top of the pipe to the ground surface, neither of those terms correctly defines the horizontal distance from the surface to the bottom of the trench. “Excavation” refers to the act of digging or removing material from a site, not directly measuring the distance involved. Therefore, recognizing that "Depth" specifically addresses the distance from the ground surface to the bottom of the trench clarifies why it is the correct and most appropriate choice in this context.