This reference and guide for those interested in modern infiltration theory presents the theoretical and mathematical basis of physically- based infiltration functions and tells how to apply theory to various hydrologic problems. It is assumed that the reader has an understanding of mathematics including basics of partial differential equations; however, mathematical complexities, especially lengthy derivations, are avoided when not needed. Emphasis is on one- dimensional, vertical infiltration such as for the rainfall-on-soil condition. Robust equations are supplied which can be applied in hydrologic models at a variety of scales for different objectives. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.

This volume certainly is a Conference Proceedings, the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) on "Unsaturated Flow in Hydrologic Modeling" held at "Les Villages du Soleil" near ArIes, France from June 13 to 17, 1988. Let me therefore acknowledge properly, at the very beginning, the gratitude of all the participants to the NATO Science Committee for its generous support and worthwhile goal of bringing together scientists of many countries to communicate and share their experiences. Particular thanks are extended to the director of the program, Dr. Luis Vega da Cunha for his interest and understanding. On the other hand this volume is also, and probably more so, a Textbook that fills a gap in the field of unsaturated flow. Many treatises on the subject present the theory in its different aspects. Hardly any explain in details how the different pieces can be put together to address realistic problems at the basin scale. The various invited contributions to the ARW were structured in a subject progression much as chapters are organized in a book. The intent of the ARW was to assess the current state of knowledge in "Unsaturated Flow" and its use in "Hydrologic Modeling Practice". In a sense the interest in fundamentals of unsaturated flow in this ARW was not just for the sake of knowledge but also and primarily for the sake of action. Can such fundamental knowledge be utilized for better management of the water resource? was the basic question.

Rainfall infiltration is an important component of the hydrologic cycle and plays a crucial role in the formation of surface runoff, providing subsurface water that governs the water supply for agriculture, the transport of pollutants through the vadose zone, and the recharge of aquifers. The spatiotemporal evolution of the infiltration rate under natural conditions cannot currently be deduced by direct measurements at any scale of interest. Therefore, the use of infiltration modeling is of fundamental importance in applied hydrology and allows this process to be described through measurable quantities. In spite of the continuous development of infiltration modeling in recent decades, the estimation of infiltration at different spatial scales, i.e., from the local to watershed scales, remains a complex problem because of the natural spatial variability of both soil hydraulic characteristics and rainfall. For many years, research activity has been limited to the development of local or point infiltration models for vertically homogeneous soils with flat surfaces. Recent scientific literature has extended infiltration modeling to many other involved elements whose representation, however, still represents an open problem. In this context, this volume attempts to make a contribution to the modeling of point infiltration into vertically non-uniform soils or soils modified by human activities, infiltration over horizontal heterogeneous areas, infiltration into soil surfaces with significant slopes, interaction between the infiltration process and the groundwater system, and infiltration due to irrigation and the surface water–groundwater dynamics.

Hydrological Systems Modeling is a component of Encyclopedia of Water Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. This 2-volume set contains several chapters, each of size 5000-30000 words, with perspectives, applications and extensive illustrations. It carries state-of-the-art knowledge in the fields of Hydrological Systems Modeling and is aimed, by virtue of the several applications, at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students, Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers and NGOs.

Mathematical Models is a component of Encyclopedia of Mathematical Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme on Mathematical Models discusses matters of great relevance to our world such as: Basic Principles of Mathematical Modeling; Mathematical Models in Water Sciences; Mathematical Models in Energy Sciences; Mathematical Models of Climate and Global Change; Infiltration and Ponding; Mathematical Models of Biology; Mathematical Models in Medicine and Public Health; Mathematical Models of Society and Development. These three volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.

This new edition adds several new chapters and is thoroughly updated to include data on new topics such as hydraulic fracturing, CO2 sequestration, sustainable groundwater management, and more. Providing a complete treatment of the theory and practice of groundwater engineering, this new handbook also presents a current and detailed review of how to model the flow of water and the transport of contaminants both in the unsaturated and saturated zones, covers the protection of groundwater, and the remediation of contaminated groundwater.