Improved Analytical Model for Infiltration Towards the Water Table

Abstract:

We present mathematical model which describes one dimensional flow of water from the land surface to the water table. Following Mishra and Neuman (2010), we consider four-parameter exponential model to describe soil-water characteristics curves. A system with initial flux into soil from above and boundary conditions at the water table and soil surface is considered. Analytical solutions to two cases (homogeneous and layered soils) of water infiltration towards the water table and the prescribed initial and boundary conditions are presented. We conclude by comparing the developed model with existing analytical and numerical models.