A large-time saturated-unsaturated water and contaminant transport model in unconfined aquifers

Abstract

A large-time model for the water and contaminant transport in unconfined aquifers is outlined for cases where the vertical averaging of the advectiondispersion equation is valid. The model includes the unsaturated zone which exists above the water table, and a comparative study is made with the similar and widely used model which assumes saturated flow only. An example is given to demonstrate the effects of the unsaturated zone on the horizontal water and contaminant mass transport in the aquifer.