Laboratory and numerical simulation studies on groundwater recharge through unsaturated zone | |
| Author | Ramanarayanan, T. S. |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AE-91-56 |
| Subject(s) | Water, Underground--Artificial recharge Soil moisture |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Simulation studies on the one-dimensional, non-hysteric recharge process through the unsaturated zone were conducted with a physical model and a numerical model. Physical model studies were conducted to analyze the recharge process through the unsaturated zone. A numerical model with implicit finite difference scheme was developed to simulate the process. The model was validated by comparing its results with the field experimental results of WARRICK et al., (1971) and the laboratory experimental results from the present study. It was then applied to study the recharge process in some hypothetical situations. The results showed significant time lag in case of recharge through the unsaturated system, signifying the importance of this study. The experimental setup developed in this study proved to be a good tool to analyze the transient movement of moisture through the unsaturated zone at fairly short intervals of time. The hydrologic characteristics of a soil can be fitted successfully to the relations given by VAN GENUCHTEN (1980) which describes the characteristics very well. Upon confirming the physical basis of the numerical model it can be applied to wide range of real situations. As the model describes the variations of movement of water and moisture content with time in the soil profile, it provides necessary inputs to simulate the solute movement in the soil. |
| Year | 1991 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural and Food Engineering (AE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Gupta, Ashim Das; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Murty, V.V.N;Nielsen, J.M.;Loof, Rainer |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | DANIDA; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991 |