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Time domain reflectometry measurement principles and applications
Author(s) -
Jones Scott B.,
Wraith Jon M.,
Or Dani
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
hydrological processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.222
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1099-1085
pISSN - 0885-6087
DOI - 10.1002/hyp.513
Subject(s) - reflectometry , dielectric , permittivity , materials science , water content , time domain , electrical resistivity and conductivity , attenuation , porous medium , conductivity , calibration , porosity , soil science , composite material , environmental science , optoelectronics , optics , chemistry , geology , geotechnical engineering , computer science , electrical engineering , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics , computer vision
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a highly accurate and automatable method for determination of porous media water content and electrical conductivity. Water content is inferred from the dielectric permittivity of the medium, whereas electrical conductivity is inferred from TDR signal attenuation. Empirical and dielectric mixing models are used to relate water content to measured dielectric permittivity. Clay and organic matter bind substantial amounts of water, such that measured bulk dielectric constant is reduced and the relationship with total water content requires individual calibration. A variety of TDR probe configurations provide users with site‐ and media‐specific options. Advances in TDR technology and in other dielectric methods offer the promise not only for less expensive and more accurate tools for electrical determination of water and solute contents, but also a host of other properties such as specific surface area, and retention properties of porous media. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.