Effects of Soil Layering on Infiltration

by Tammo S. Steenhuis, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, United States,
John S. Selker, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, United States,
Jennifer Bell, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, United States,
K-J. Samuel Kung, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, United States,
J. -Yves Parlange, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures for Enhanced Safety and Physical Security

Abstract:

The effect of sloping soil layers on infiltration depends on the textural composition of both layers at the interface, as well as the slope of the interface. The contractions of flow caused by sloping fine-over-coarse soil interfaces are considered. These contractions may take the form of fingers, funnels, or flow through cracks. Formulas predicting the width of diversion for funnel flow are discussed, showing clearly the influence of the soil properties. The relationships are checked with results from recent experiments and the literature for layers with varying slope and texture. The results should prove useful in practice to assess the effect of interbedded layers on water and solute movement.

Subject Headings: Soil water | Soil water movement | Slopes | Layered soils | Soil mechanics | Infiltration | Subsurface flow

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