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Modelling of Soil Processes
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:10:34
Abstract
Computational modelling of biogeochemical processes and transport of water and solutes in soil and aquifers.
Objective
(1) Learning the principals of modelling of transport and transformation processes (2) Applying numerical models to soil and groundwater problems (3) Learning about potentials and limits of computer models (4) Using the gained knowledge for judging the potential use of models for the risk assessment on soil pollution and for remediation concepts
Content
Reasoning, use and art of modelling. From the analysis of biogeochemical and transport problems to the computer simulations and the evaluation thereof. Modeling of (1) Chemical speciation (2) Steady-state processes (3) Water movement including transport in macro pores (4) Combined transport of water and dissolved chemicals (5) Parameter optimization using inverse modeling and sensitivity analysis
Resources
Lecture Notes
Part A:http://www.polyql.ethz.ch/Part B: handouts of hard copies
Literature
K. C. Abbaspour and R. Schulin. 1996. Two-dimensional flow and transport in unsaturated soils. Environmental Series no. 259, Federal Office of Environment, Forests and Landscape (FOEFL), Bern, 232 p. G. Furrer, J. Westall and P. Sollins. The study of soil chemistry through quasi-steady-state models. I. Mathematical definition of model. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 53 (1989) 595-601. G. Furrer, P. Sollins and J. Westall. The study of soil chemistry through quasi-steady-state models. II. Acidity of soil solution. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 54 (1990) 2363-2374. G. Furrer, U. von Gunten and J. Zobrist. Steady-state modelling of biogeochemical processes in columns with aquifer material: 1. speciation and mass balances. Chem. Geol. 133 (1996) 15-28. U. von Gunten and G. Furrer. Steady-state modelling of biogeochemical processes in columns with aquifer material: 2. Dynamics of iron-sulfur interactions. Chem. Geol. 167 (2000) 271-284.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Modelling of Soil Processes |
|
4 h weekly |