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A probabilistic investigation of infiltration in the vadose zone: proposal for a new formula of infiltration rate
Author(s) -
Carlier Erick
Publication year - 2006
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.6495
Subject(s) - infiltration (hvac) , vadose zone , probabilistic logic , mathematics , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , statistics , soil water , geotechnical engineering , geology , thermodynamics , physics
The infiltration rate in the unsaturated zone is analysed from a probabilistic point of view. It is shown that the empirical formulas of Horton and Kostiakov, without apparent physical basis, are explained in a probabilistic approach. Horton's formula reflects a Markovian process contrary to Kostiakov's formula. This approach made it possible to explain why Kostiakov's formula is more powerful than that of Horton. A new equation of infiltration is proposed. The three formulas were compared, for four types of soil, with the model of van Genuchten based on the Richards equation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.