Modelling flow and transport in unsaturated zone

Abstract

Unsaturated zone transport models are indispensable tools for analyzing complex environmental pollution problems, and for developing practical management strategies. A quantitative study of water flow and contaminant transport in the unsaturated (vadose) zone is necessary for improvement and protection of the quality of groundwater supplies. This is the region bounded above by the land surface and below by the groundwater table. It is the region through which water derived from precipitation and irrigation infiltrates and transports contaminants to reach the groundwater. This article presents an overview of the modelling process for water flow and contaminant transport in the unsaturated zone, input data requirements and related software packages.