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Water flow and solute transport in structured soil
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:09
Abstract
In this course the effect of heterogeneous structures in natural soil on water flow and solute transport is considered. In practical exercises, the theoretical material is applied to realistic scenarios through numerical simulations.
Objective
Understaänding flow and transport in soil from the pore scale to the soil profile with special emphasise on heterogeneous hydraulic properties.
Content
In this course the effect of heterogeneous structures in natural soil on water flow and solute transport is considered on a wide range of scales ranging from the pore scale of some 10−6 m to the field scale of some 102m. First the theory for the involved processes is discussed starting from the classical description of water dynamics in porous media at the continuum scale (Richards Equation) and the classical description of solute transport (convection dispersion model). Based on the phenomenology of transport in natural soil the potentials and the limits of the classical approaches are discussed as well as different extensions to include the effects of structured materials to obtain ’effective’ descriptions at the larger scale. Different scale-invariant concepts are introduced to describe the organization of heterogeneities in natural systems across spatial (macroscopic homogeneity, discrete and continuous hierarchy, fractal) and the implications for flow and transport are discussed. Scale-invariant tools for a quantitative description of relevant structural properties are presented as well as different possibilities of modeling structure based on such quantitative informations (random fields, network models, models of structure formation). In practical exercises, the theoretical material is finally applied to realistic scenarios through numerical simulations accomplished by the participants (1/2 computer/person). Using numerical experiments, the intuition and the process understanding with respect to the effect of heterogeneous structures is sharpened. The available software will allow for i) structure quantification and modeling ii) solving Richards Equation in heterogeneous materials (SWMS-2D) and iii) simulation of solute transport in heterogeneous velocity fields (particle tracking). Participants could have a background in soil science, environmental physics, environmental engineering, earth sciences or civil engineering. Basic knowledge in Programming and Unix systems would be beneficial for the exercises, but are not a requirement.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Will be provided during the course
Literature
Will be announced
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Water flow and solute transport in structured soil
Blockkurs
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1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Application Area (only necessary for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics)
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