From the Proceedings of the 1978 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 14-15, 1978, Flagstaff, Arizona / The equations of Darcy, Kostiakov, Ostashev, Philip, and four modified Philip equations were evaluated for use in predicting and controlling rainwater infiltration and rainfall excess in crop and rangelands. These eight equations were least- square fitted to data from ring, border-irrigation, closed-top, and sprinkling infiltrometers. Kostiakov's equation satisfied the evaluation criteria better than the other seven equations. The parameters of Kostiakov's equation were physically interpreted by relating their magnitudes to some physical, biological, and hydraulic characteristics of the infiltration system. These characteristics included several infiltration abatement and augmentation processes and factors that are controlled at the soil surface by land management practices. The eight equations were also fitted to rainfall data to permit calculating runoff from small surface areas about the size of a typical crop plant. Comparison of the regression curves for infiltration and rainfall suggested that land management practices that appropriately alter the soil surface will permit wide-range control of infiltration, runoff, and erosion; and thereby achieve conservation and more efficient use of soil and water resources for crop production. The most important soil surface conditions affecting infiltration were microroughness, macroporosity, plant litter, and effective surface head.

From the Proceedings of the 1978 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 14-15, 1978, Flagstaff, Arizona / Described is a microroughness meter developed to obtain numerous and accurate measurements of rangeland surface microroughness and characteristics. The meter, which consists of four basic parts: (1) meter base and pin guide, (2) pin lifting support bar and lifting mechanism, (3) 100 vertically moving pins, and (4) stripchart support guide and winding mechanism, was designed to measure soil surface evaluations and characteristics of a 1m2 plot. Performance tests on multi-plot sprinkler infiltrometer studies conducted on the Santa Rita Experimental Range in southeastern Arizona indicated that the meter was accurate and relatively precise in repeating soil surface roughness measurements but was not precise in defining the theoretical characteristics of constructed surfaces. It was concluded, however, that these errors in precision were insignificant and due partly to surface geometry construction errors and that the meter is a convenient, quick, simple and accurate means of measuring surface roughness in studies requiring many plots and data points.

Hydrosystems are important elements of the hydraulic cycle. With population growth and climatic change impacting water resources, the existing water transport systems need to be reproduced in order to optimize the usage of the precious water resources. The individual flow process i.e. unsaturated soil flow and groundwater flow in porous and fractured media can be expressed by partial differential equations mathematically. The numerical models are generally used to give solutions of these equations with specific conditions. In this work, the numerical solutions are carried out using the scientific software OpenGeoSys (OGS) based on the finite element method. The complex geometrical structure model domain can be imported into the numerical model with an implemented graphical interface. A GIS based relational database model GeoHydroDataBase (GHDB) designed to create a specialized set of geo- and hydro-objects is integrated with the numerical model. The multi-field and detailed computational hydrosystem analysis methodology is applied to Meijiang catchment and Nankou site respectively. As an application, the case study for the Meijiang area with the focus on surface/subsurface water interaction and the recharge response from surface infiltration to groundwater with different time series discretization. In the Nankou case study, a 3-D regional groundwater flow model is developed. The hydrogeological system is reproduced according to sparsely distributed boreholes data. The model calibration and sensitivity analysis are accomplished with inverse methods by applying a model independent parameter estimation system (PEST). The results of the calibrated model show reasonable agreements with observed water levels. The transient groundwater flow simulations reflect the observed drawdown of the last 9 years and show the formation of a depression cone in an intensively pumped area. The well calibrated 3-D groundwater model provides hydrogeological parameters and lateral fluxes from the adjacent mountain area for the following transport modeling and remediation scenarios analysis. In this study the method of capture zone type curves is used to estimate the pumping rate and the number of pumping wells needed for the contaminated aquifer cleanup. The analytical solutions of drawdown at the pumping wells (for both single pumping well and double wells) are compared with those calculated from the numerical model.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-31T13:24:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LuizAAS_DISSERT.pdf: 2790394 bytes, checksum: 1bac58cbcfc89d893d66e58cfa50081f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-06 / In this work, a mathematical model was developed for the simulation of soil water movement under surface drip irrigation, being used the method of the finite volumes for the resolution of the partial differential equation of water flow in porous media. The soil water flow was treated three-dimensionally for the determination of your movement in the infiltration and redistribution phases. The model allows the determination dimensions and shape of the wetted bulb, of the partial and final dimension of the saturated disc radius and the determination of the saturated soil volume, when to deal about of isolated bulb. In the case of overlapping bulbs, the model allows the determination of the width and depth of the formed wetted strip, making possible the choice of the drippers spacing that better it is adapted to the conditions of the irrigation project and management. A computational program was developed with base in the model, and the obtained results were validated starting from comparisons with field data and results of simulations of other models. These comparisons demonstrated that the model presents reliable results and it can be used as tool for the designing of drip irrigation installations. The sensibility analysis accomplished starting from the variation of some parameters of the soil and of the emitter (initial moisture, saturated soil hydraulic conductivity and trickle discharge), it demonstrated that, with relationship to the final moisture inside of the bulb, the model is so much relatively sensitive to positive variations as negatives of those parameters. / Neste trabalho, foi desenvolvido um modelo matemático para a simulação do movimento de água no solo sob irrigação por gotejamento superficial, utilizando-se o método dos volumes finitos para a resolução da equação diferencial parcial de escoamento de água em meios porosos. O fluxo de água no solo foi tratado tridimensionalmente para a determinação do seu movimento nas fases de infiltração e redistribuição. O modelo permite a determinação da forma e das dimensões do bulbo molhado, da dimensão parcial e final do raio do disco saturado e a determinação do volume de solo saturado, quando tratar-se de bulbo isolado. No caso de bulbos sobrepostos, o modelo permite a determinação da largura e profundidade da faixa molhada formada, possibilitando a escolha do espaçamento entre gotejadores que melhor se adeque às condições do projeto e manejo da irrigação. Um programa computacional foi desenvolvido com base no modelo, e os resultados obtidos foram validados a partir de comparações com dados de campo e resultados de simulações de outros modelos. Estas comparações demonstraram que o modelo apresenta resultados confiáveis e pode ser utilizado como ferramenta para o dimensionamento de instalações de irrigação por gotejamento. A análise de sensibilidade realizada a partir da variação de alguns parâmetros do solo e do emissor (umidade inicial, condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado e vazão do gotejador), demonstrou que, com relação à umidade final dentro do bulbo, o modelo é relativamente sensível tanto à variações positivas quanto negativas desses parâmetros.

Hydrosystems are important elements of the hydraulic cycle. With population growth and climatic change impacting water resources, the existing water transport systems need to be reproduced in order to optimize the usage of the precious water resources. The individual flow process i.e. unsaturated soil flow and groundwater flow in porous and fractured media can be expressed by partial differential equations mathematically. The numerical models are generally used to give solutions of these equations with specific conditions. In this work, the numerical solutions are carried out using the scientific software OpenGeoSys (OGS) based on the finite element method. The complex geometrical structure model domain can be imported into the numerical model with an implemented graphical interface. A GIS based relational database model GeoHydroDataBase (GHDB) designed to create a specialized set of geo- and hydro-objects is integrated with the numerical model. The multi-field and detailed computational hydrosystem analysis methodology is applied to Meijiang catchment and Nankou site respectively. As an application, the case study for the Meijiang area with the focus on surface/subsurface water interaction and the recharge response from surface infiltration to groundwater with different time series discretization. In the Nankou case study, a 3-D regional groundwater flow model is developed. The hydrogeological system is reproduced according to sparsely distributed boreholes data. The model calibration and sensitivity analysis are accomplished with inverse methods by applying a model independent parameter estimation system (PEST). The results of the calibrated model show reasonable agreements with observed water levels. The transient groundwater flow simulations reflect the observed drawdown of the last 9 years and show the formation of a depression cone in an intensively pumped area. The well calibrated 3-D groundwater model provides hydrogeological parameters and lateral fluxes from the adjacent mountain area for the following transport modeling and remediation scenarios analysis. In this study the method of capture zone type curves is used to estimate the pumping rate and the number of pumping wells needed for the contaminated aquifer cleanup. The analytical solutions of drawdown at the pumping wells (for both single pumping well and double wells) are compared with those calculated from the numerical model.

Construction sites are among the most common areas to experience soil erosion and sediment transport due to the mandatory foundation tasks such as excavation and land grubbing. Thus, temporary sediment barriers are installed along the perimeter to prevent sediment transport from the site. Erosion and sediment transport control measures may include, but not limited to, physical and chemical processes such as the use of a silt fence and polyacrylamide product. Runoff from construction sites and other impervious surfaces are routinely discharged into ponds for treatment before being released into a receiving water body. Stormwater harvesting from a pond for irrigation of adjacent lands is promoted as one approach to reducing pond discharge while supplementing valuable potable water used for irrigation. The reduction of pond discharge reduces the mass of pollutants in the discharge. In the dissertation, presented is the investigation of the effectiveness of temporary sediment barriers and then, development of a modeling approach to a stormwater harvesting pond to provide a comprehensive stormwater management pollution reduction assessment tool. The first part of the research presents the investigation of the performance efficiencies of silt fence fabrics in turbidity and sediment concentration removal, and the determination of flowthrough-rate on simulated construction sites in real time. Two silt fence fabrics, (1) woven and the other (2) nonwoven were subjected to material index property tests and a series of field-scale tests with different rainfall intensities and events for different embankment slopes on a tilting test-bed. Collected influent and effluent samples were analyzed for sediment concentration and turbidity, and the flow-through-rate for each fabric was evaluated. Test results revealed that the woven and nonwoven silt fence achieved 11 and 56 percent average turbidity reduction iv efficiency, respectively. Each fabric also achieved 20 and 56 percent average sediment concentration removal efficiency, respectively. Fabric flow-through-rates were functions of the rainfall intensity and embankment slope. The nonwoven fabric exhibited higher flow-throughrates than the woven fabric in both field-scale and laboratory tests. In the second part of the study, a Stormwater Harvesting and Assessment for Reduction of Pollution (SHARP) model was developed to predict operation of wet pond used for stormwater harvesting. The model integrates the interaction of surface water and groundwater in a catchment area. The SHARP model was calibrated and validated with actual pond water elevation data from a stormwater pond at Miramar Lakes, Miramar, Florida. Model evaluation showed adequate prediction of pond water elevation with root mean square error between 0.07 and 0.12 m; mean absolute error was between 0.018 and 0.07 m; and relative index of agreement was between 0.74 and 0.98 for both calibration and validation periods. The SHARP model is capable of assessing harvesting safe-yield and discharge from a pond, including the prediction of the percentage of runoff into a harvesting pond that is not discharged. The combination of silt fence and/or polyacrylamide PAM before stormwater harvesting pond in a treatment train for the reduction of pollutants from construction sites has the potential of significantly exceeding a performance standard of 85 percent reduction typically required by local authorities. In fact, the stringent requirement of equaling pre- and post-development pollutant loading is highly achievable by the treatment train approach. The significant contribution from the integration of the SHARP model to the treatment train is that real-time assessment of pollutant loading reduction by volume can be planned and controlled to achieve target performance standards.

I conducted a 12-month study of near-shore habitats in Lake Pontchartrain to assess spatiotemporal variation in the abundance of early life stage blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Collections were made using a 1 m2 throw trap and data showed that C. sapidus numbers varied over time and among sites. Two recruitment events occurred during the study. During the first recruitment in May-June, C. sapidus entered Lake Pontchartrain via the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal. In September-October, C. sapidus entered the Lake Pontchartrain via the Rigolets and Chef passes. My data suggest that C. sapidus utilize water circulation within the Lake Pontchartrain as a means of transportation throughout the estuary. MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m data were analyzed to gain a large-scale view of suspended sediments patterns within Lake Pontchartrain and quantify water movement. Field sampling along with remote sensing proved to be beneficial when assessing estuarine-wide C. sapidus post-larval dispersal processes.

From the Proceedings of the 1974 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 19-20, 1974, Flagstaff, Arizona / Reliable information on soil-water status is required in order to make accurate water balance studies of watersheds, to determine the survival probabilities of various types of vegetation between rainfalls in low rainfall areas, and to determine the susceptibility of the uppermost soil to wind erosion. Simple solarimeters may help to accomplish this objective. Bare soil albedo was a linear function of the water content of a very thin surface layer of soil, and albedo correlated well with water contents of thicker soil layers. In addition, albedo measurements could be used to delineate the 3 classical stages of soil drying. Albedo may also be used to differentiate between the initial potential rate phase of evaporation following an application of water, and the succeeding falling rate phase. Results of applying this technique to a field of Avondale clay loam indicate that 20% to 25% of the water applied by either irrigation or rain will be lost by stage 1 potential evaporation, independent of seasonal variations in evaporative demand. Presently the techniques developed are applicable only to bare soil surfaces.

The present work is a contribution to description and understanding of the distribution and movement of water in swelling soils. In order to investigate the moisture distribution in swelling soils a detailed knowledge of volume change properties, flow characteristics and total potential of water in the soil is essential. Therefore, a possible volume change mechanism is first described by dividing the swelling soils into four categories and volume change of a swelling soil is measured under different overburden pressures. The measured and calculated (from volume change data) overburden potential components are used to check the validity of the derivation of a load factor, ∝. Moisture diffusivity in swelling soil under different overburden pressures is measured using Gardner's (1956) outflow method. Behaviour of equilibrium moisture profiles in swelling soils is theoretically explained, solving the differential equation by considering the physical variation of individual soil properties with moisture content and overburden pressure. Using the measured volume change data and moisture potentials under various overburden pressures, the behaviour of possible moisture profiles are described at equilibrium and under steady vertical flows in swelling soils. It is shown that high overburden pressures lead to soil water behaviour quite different from any previously reported.