Open AccessDynamics of Fluid Interfaces and Flow and Transport across Material Interfaces in Porous Media—Modeling and Observations
Author(s) -
Lehmann P.,
Neuweiler I.,
Vanderborght J.,
Vogel H.-J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
vadose zone journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.036
H-Index - 81
ISSN - 1539-1663
DOI - 10.2136/vzj2012.0105
Subject(s) - vadose zone , porous medium , mechanics , fluid dynamics , two phase flow , porosity , displacement (psychology) , flow (mathematics) , geology , front (military) , materials science , geotechnical engineering , meteorology , soil water , physics , soil science , psychology , psychotherapist
Prediction of fluid phase dynamics in the vadose zone is hampered by the presence of different types of sharp interfaces, questioning the validity of standard theory that is based on assumption of continuity of air and water phases, uniform distribution of fluids in a control volume, local equilibrium of phase contents and pressures, and slow process velocities. Complexity of fluid front morphology and burst‐like redistribution processes may be accentuated across material contrasts or at the interface between soil and atmosphere. This special section presents eleven contributions highlighting the role of interfaces on water and air distributions and outlining methods to improve prediction of interfacial displacement.