Unsaturated Zone Hydrology

Our contaminated groundwater has rightfully taken high priority. As a result, scientists and engineers are increasingly being called on to evaluate processes in the unsaturated zone to regulate the use of chemicals, influence land use practices, and clean contaminated soils and aquifers. To help readers deal with the myriad of complex unsaturated zone problems, this comprehensive reference consolidates--into one volume--a wide variety of information on the vadose zone or zone of aeration.

Using a quantitative modeling approach, this volume offers a comprehensive exploration of the movement of water in the unsaturated zone (and associated transport phenomena) -- the pathway of many contaminants to the saturated zone where much of the world's potable water is stored. It is the first book to combine research and knowledge on this subject from a wide variety of disciplines into a single source directed toward engineering and environmental training and applications. Deals with contaminant and heat transport in the unsaturated zone; includes a description of soils and their properties and unsaturated soil hydraulic properties; describes unsaturated zone processes; and thoroughly explores numerical modeling and uncertainty in modeling. A text for students in engineering and environmental science, and a reference for practicing engineers and scientists involved in the analysis of unsaturated zone contaminant problems.