Abstract
Infiltration is a fundamental component of the rainfall-runoff process. It was characterized through the adjustment and comparison of the Smith-Parlange, Green-Amptd, Philip, Horton and Kostiakov equations, using simulated rain in poorly developed soils from three geological formations and from different ages (Marino Fm., Mogotes Fm., quaternary cover). Trials with the rainfall simulator were run in piedmont areas west of the city of Mendoza. Adjustments were performed separately for each of the trials and globally for each surface cover. The adjustment was satisfactory when the observed and the simulated infiltration velocity curves were compared using lumped parameters. The Green-Amptd model exhibited the best behavior for the three covers, while the Smith-Parlange equation was the least accurate, al- though it had little dispersion in the prediction errors. The Kostiakov and Horton equations yielded satisfactory results in view of the fact that the development of the infiltration rate curve was simulated after the impoundment time was determined with the Green-Amptd formula. The Philip model is not consistent, with the exception of the results obtained for the Marino cover. In the post-calibration procedure the parameters showed no noticeable differences with respect to those obtained during calibration. In every case the relative squared error of the infiltration curve was very satisfactory, below 5%.
Highlights
Precipitation in the piedmont area west of the city of Mendoza (Argentina), the most top rated urban center in the central western part of Argentina), is scarce and occurs in the summer months
The Kostiakov and Horton equations yielded satisfactory results in view of the fact that the development of the infiltration rate curve was simulated after the impoundment time was determined with the Green-Amptd formula
For the other two covers the infiltration rate decreases evenly; through time it does not tend to be asymptotic over a constant value, which is a more manifest characteristic of the Mariño Fm
Summary
Precipitation in the piedmont area west of the city of Mendoza (Argentina), the most top rated urban center in the central western part of Argentina), is scarce and occurs in the summer months. Physical soil characteristics, and torrential water courses discharging in urban and agricultural areas have given rise to great flood hazards. Exceptionally heavy showers (great intensity and short duration) downpouring on a basin with a marked relief and scarce vegetation cover give rise almost immediately to high surface-water flow rates. Infiltration, the main component of the rainfall-runoff process, is the physical process by which rainwater penetrates the soil. This is the reason why it plays a crucial role in the application of any hydrological model. Flood control and water availability are two relevant aspects of a management plan, especially in the case of arid regions
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