Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Soil Moisture in Heterogeneous Vadose Zone with Moisture Barriers as Affected by Atmospheric Boundary Conditions
Abstract
This research seeks to improve our understanding of the non-isothermal, multi-phase flow processes of water, water vapor and air in the shallow subsurface by performing controlled experiments at different test scales under transient conditions using soil with accurately known hydraulic/thermal properties. Experimental data is used to test existing theories and appropriate numerical models, providing new insights into mass flux and thermal process interactions. This work provides a critical step toward refining our understanding of the non-isothermal, multi-phase flow processes of water, water vapor and air in the shallow subsurface coupled with thermal processes in order to better predict the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture/temperature around buried objects such as landmines. It is our hope that this data and knowledge of the fundamental processes that occur at the land/atmospheric interface will improve the comprehension and interpretation of sensor imagery and lead to the development of more robust signal processing and interpretation techniques that allow for the discrimination of real threats from anomalies that results from natural processes. In addition to landmine detection, this knowledge is critical to many engineering applications, including the efficiency of thermal remediation of contaminated soils, the flux of from soil, natural or forced ventilation, and water resource management in dry land. Primary aims of the project were to: To develop a better understanding of the hydraulic and thermal characteristics of mixed or disturbed soils as well as the temperature dependence of thermal properties. The burying of landmines involves artificial mixing/disturbance of soil in natural conditions prior to burial. Knowledge of the effects of mixing/disturbance on thermal and hydraulic properties of soils will help discriminate such locations from undisturbed soils.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 07, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1053278
Entities
People
- Kathleen M. Smits
- Tissa H. Illangasekare
- Toshi Sakaki
Organizations
- Colorado School of Mines