scholarly journals Geostatistic Interpolation of Soil Moisture

1997 ◽  
Vol 28 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 307-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils-Otto Kitterød ◽  
E. Langsholt ◽  
W. K. Wong ◽  
L. Gottschalk
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Unsaturated Zone ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Unsaturated Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Indicator Kriging ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Semivariogram Analysis ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths

The spatial distribution of soil moisture defines preferential flow paths in the unsaturated zone. Hence, three dimensional (3D) estimates of soil moisture are of great importance to understand transport of contaminants as well as remediation processes in the unsaturated zone. In this study 3D estimates conditioned on spatially frequent observations of soil moisture, have been obtained by kriging. The observations were divided into subdomains consistent with the local stratigraphy and directional semivariogram analysis was applied. It was found difficult to clearly identify a 3D semivariogram function in this case, but from a georadar survey two semivariogram functions were derived, describing two different sedimentological units. By conditioning the estimates of soil moisture on the sedimentological architecture computed by indicator kriging, more accurate estimates were achieved. These improvements were quantified by a ‘jackknife’ cross validation procedure. Besides the practical aspects of finding the most important flow paths estimates of soil moisture are valuable when validating unsaturated flow models.

scholarly journals Liquid water infiltration into a layered snowpack: evaluation of a 3-D water transport model with laboratory experiments

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 5503-5515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Hirashima ◽  
Francesco Avanzi ◽  
Satoru Yamaguchi
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Water ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Transport Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths ◽  
Capillary Barriers ◽  
Wet Snow

Abstract. The heterogeneous movement of liquid water through the snowpack during precipitation and snowmelt leads to complex liquid water distributions that are important for avalanche and runoff forecasting. We reproduced the formation of capillary barriers and the development of preferential flow through snow using a three-dimensional water transport model, which was then validated using laboratory experiments of liquid water infiltration into layered, initially dry snow. Three-dimensional simulations assumed the same column shape and size, grain size, snow density, and water input rate as the laboratory experiments. Model evaluation focused on the timing of water movement, thickness of the upper layer affected by ponding, water content profiles and wet snow fraction. Simulation results showed that the model reconstructs relevant features of capillary barriers, including ponding in the upper layer, preferential infiltration far from the interface, and the timing of liquid water arrival at the snow base. In contrast, the area of preferential flow paths was usually underestimated and consequently the averaged water content in areas characterized by preferential flow paths was also underestimated. Improving the representation of preferential infiltration into initially dry snow is necessary to reproduce the transition from a dry-snow-dominant condition to a wet-snow-dominant one, especially in long-period simulations.

scholarly journals Structural geology and geophysics as a support to build a hydrogeologic model of granite rock

Solid Earth ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 881-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lurdes Martinez-Landa ◽  
Jesús Carrera ◽  
Andrés Pérez-Estaún ◽  
Paloma Gómez ◽  
Carmen Bajos
Keyword(s):  
Structural Geology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Pumping Test ◽  
Discrete Elements ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths

Abstract. A method developed for low-permeability fractured media was applied to understand the hydrogeology of a mine excavated in a granitic pluton. This method includes (1) identifying the main groundwater-conducting features of the medium, such as the mine, dykes, and large fractures, (2) implementing this factors as discrete elements into a three-dimensional numerical model, and (3) calibrating these factors against hydraulic data . A key question is how to identify preferential flow paths in the first step. Here, we propose a combination of several techniques. Structural geology, together with borehole sampling, geophysics, hydrogeochemistry, and local hydraulic tests aided in locating all structures. Integration of these data yielded a conceptual model of the site. A preliminary calibration of the model was performed against short-term (< 1 day) pumping tests, which facilitated the characterization of some of the fractures. The hydraulic properties were then used for other fractures that, according to geophysics and structural geology, belonged to the same families. Model validity was tested by blind prediction of a long-term (4 months) large-scale (1 km) pumping test from the mine, which yielded excellent agreement with the observations. Model results confirmed the sparsely fractured nature of the pluton, which has not been subjected to glacial loading–unloading cycles and whose waters are of Na-HCO3 type.

scholarly journals New method for the characterization of three-dimensional preferential flow paths in the field

2010 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Majdi R. Abou Najm ◽  
Jalal D. Jabro ◽  
William M. Iversen ◽  
Rabi H. Mohtar ◽  
Robert G. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
New Method ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths

scholarly journals Transforming Hydrographs in the Hillslope Subsurface

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 264-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Šanda ◽  
Milena Císlerová
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Profile ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Soil Horizons ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths ◽  
Subsurface Runoff ◽  
Set Up

Transforming Hydrographs in the Hillslope SubsurfaceTo reveal and evaluate the mechanism of transforming rainfall into runoff in the region, where the subsurface flow plays a dominant role in the runoff formation, a continuous hydrological and climatic data monitoring has been set-up in the experimental catchment Uhlířská (the Jizera Mountains, CR). The soil profile (Dystric Cambisol), formed on the weathered granite bedrock, is shallow and highly heterogeneous. Beside a standard catchment data observation a hillslope transect was instrumented to control the flow dynamics in the soil profile. From three soil horizons, the subsurface outflow is recorded in the subsurface trench. Adjacent to the trench the soil water suction is scanned by triplets of automatic tensiometers. Within the soil profile the unsaturated regime prevails, nevertheless the soil keeps almost saturated. Nearly simultaneous reaction of suction on a rainfall in all soil horizons implies a rapid vertical flow. Local preferential flow paths are conducting infiltrating water at significantly variable rates when saturation is reached. Groundwater table, soil moisture and subsurface runoff measured at the hillslope transect and the total outflow from the catchment, are correlated. The outflow from the catchment is dominantly controlled by soil moisture however the mechanism of its generation is not yet fully understood.

The importance of preferential flow in controlling groundwater recharge in tropical Africa and implications for modelling the impact of climate change on groundwater resources

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. O. Cuthbert ◽  
C. Tindimugaya
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Unsaturated Flow ◽  
Uniform Flow ◽  
Richards Equation ◽  
Tropical Africa ◽  
Lateritic Soils ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
The Impact

An improved water table fluctuation technique for estimating recharge is applied to a sustained (10-year) groundwater level monitoring record in Uganda, a rare dataset for tropical Africa, and compared against results from soil moisture balance models (SMBMs) and unsaturated flow models. The results show that recharge is directly proportional to rainfall (long-term average rainfall is around 1200 mm/a), even during times when high soil moisture deficits are anticipated. This indicates that preferential and/or localized flow mechanisms dominate the recharge behaviour. SMBMs and unsaturated flow models, based on uniform flow governed by the Richards equation, are shown to be inappropriate for estimating recharge in this location underlain by lateritic soils. Given the large spatial coverage of lateritic soils both globally and in tropical Africa, and despite the convenience of physically based uniform flow models and, in particular, SMBMs, concern is raised over the use of such models for recharge estimation, and thus for exploring future trends due to climate or land use change, unless backed up by sufficient hydraulic data to enable the recharge processes to be confirmed. More research is needed to assess how widespread preferential flow may be within other major soil groups and climate zones.

scholarly journals Field investigation of preferential fissure flow paths with hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Krzeminska ◽  
T. A. Bogaard ◽  
T.-H. Debieche ◽  
F. Cervi ◽  
V. Marc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Morphology ◽  
Unsaturated Zone ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Hydrological Processes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Hydrochemical Analysis ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths ◽  
Spatial Differences

Abstract. The unsaturated zone largely controls groundwater recharge by buffering precipitation while at the same time providing preferential flow paths for infiltration. The importance of preferential flow on landslide hydrology is recognised in the literature; however, its monitoring and quantification remain difficult. This paper presents a combined hydrological and hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments. It aims at showing the potential of such experiments for studying the spatial differences in dominant hydrological processes within a landslide. This methodology was tested in the highly heterogeneous black marls of the Super-Sauze landslide. The tests were performed in three areas characterised by different displacement rates, surface morphology and local hydrological conditions. Special attention was paid to testing the potential of small-scale sprinkling experiments for identifying and characterising preferential flow patterns and dominant hydrological processes.

scholarly journals Hydrologic flow path development varies by aspect during spring snowmelt in complex subalpine terrain

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 287-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan W. Webb ◽  
Steven R. Fassnacht ◽  
Michael N. Gooseff
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Snow Water Equivalent ◽  
Surface Soil ◽  
Surface Soil Moisture ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths ◽  
Snow Water ◽  
Spring Snowmelt

Abstract. In many mountainous regions around the world, snow and soil moisture are key components of the hydrologic cycle. Preferential flow paths of snowmelt water through snow have been known to occur for years with few studies observing the effect on soil moisture. In this study, statistical analysis of the topographical and hydrological controls on the spatiotemporal variability of snow water equivalent (SWE) and soil moisture during snowmelt was undertaken at a subalpine forested setting with north, south, and flat aspects as a seasonally persistent snowpack melts. We investigated if evidence of preferential flow paths in snow can be observed and the effect on soil moisture through measurements of snow water equivalent and near-surface soil moisture, observing how SWE and near-surface soil moisture vary on hillslopes relative to the toes of hillslopes and flat areas. We then compared snowmelt infiltration beyond the near-surface soil between flat and sloping terrain during the entire snowmelt season using soil moisture sensor profiles. This study was conducted during varying snowmelt seasons representing above-normal, relatively normal, and below-normal snow seasons in northern Colorado. Evidence is presented of preferential meltwater flow paths at the snow–soil interface on the north-facing slope causing increases in SWE downslope and less infiltration into the soil at 20 cm depth; less association is observed in the near-surface soil moisture (top 7 cm). We present a conceptualization of the meltwater flow paths that develop based on slope aspect and soil properties. The resulting flow paths are shown to divert at least 4 % of snowmelt laterally, accumulating along the length of the slope, to increase the snow water equivalent by as much as 170 % at the base of a north-facing hillslope. Results from this study show that snow acts as an extension of the vadose zone during spring snowmelt and future hydrologic investigations will benefit from studying the snow and soil together.

scholarly journals Structural geology and geophysics as a key to build a hydrogeologic model of granite rock to support a mine

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Martinez Landa ◽  
J. Carrera ◽  
A. Perez-Estaún ◽  
P. Gomez ◽  
C. Bajos
Keyword(s):  
Structural Geology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Pumping Test ◽  
Discrete Elements ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths

Abstract. A methodology developed for low permeability fractured media has been applied to understand the hydrogeology of a mine excavated in a granitic pluton. This methodology consists of (1) identifying the main ground water conducting features of the medium, such as the mine, dykes and large fractures, (2) implementing them as discrete elements into a three-dimensional numerical model, and (3) calibrating them against hydraulic data (Martínez-Landa and Carrera, 2005b). The key question is how to identify preferential flow paths in the first step. Here, we propose a combination of several techniques. Structural geology, together with borehole samples, geophysics, hydrogeochemistry and local hydraulic tests aided in locating all structures. Integrating these data yields a conceptual model of the site. A preliminary calibration of the model was performed against short-term (less than a day) pumping tests, which helped in the characterization of some fractures. Their hydraulic properties were then used for other fractures that, according to geophysics and structural geology, belonged to the same families. Model validity was tested by blind prediction of a long-term (4 months) large-scale (1 km) pumping test from the mine, which yielded an excellent agreement with observations. Model results confirm the sparsely fractured nature of the pluton, which has not been subjected to glacial loading-unloading cycles and whose waters are of Na-HCO3 type.

scholarly journals Field investigation of preferential fissure flow paths with hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 637-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Krzeminska ◽  
T. A. Bogaard ◽  
T.-H. Debieche ◽  
F. Cervi ◽  
V. Marc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Morphology ◽  
Unsaturated Zone ◽  
Preferential Flow ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Hydrological Processes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flow Paths ◽  
Hydrochemical Analysis ◽  
Preferential Flow Paths ◽  
Spatial Differences

Abstract. The unsaturated zone largely controls groundwater recharge by buffering precipitation but at the same time providing preferential flow paths for infiltration. The importance of preferential flow on landslide hydrology is recognized in literature, but its monitoring and quantification remains difficult. This paper presents a combined hydrological and hydrochemical analysis of small-scale sprinkling experiments with the aim to show the potential of such experiments for studying the spatial differences in dominant hydrological processes within a landslide. This methodology was tested in the highly heterogeneous black marls of the Super-Sauze landslide. The tests were performed in three areas characterised by different displacement rates, surface morphology and local hydrological conditions. Special attention was given to test the potential of small-scale sprinkling experiments to identify and characterise preferential flow patterns and dominating hydrological processes.

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