Premium
An analytical solution to Richards' equation for time‐varying infiltration
Author(s) -
Warrick A. W.,
Islas A.,
Lomen D. O.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/91wr00310
Subject(s) - infiltration (hvac) , richards equation , mathematics , piecewise , thermal diffusivity , sorptivity , mathematical analysis , soil science , geotechnical engineering , soil water , environmental science , thermodynamics , geology , porosity , physics
An analytical solution is developed for Richards equation for time‐varying infiltration. The infiltration rates must be specified as piecewise constants with time. The answer is expressed as a sum of two terms, the first is a function of the instantaneous infiltration and the second an integral which accounts for the water distribution within the profile for the previous infiltration history. The solutions assume specific forms for the soil water diffusivity and hydraulic functions used earlier by Broadbridge and White (1988).