Simultaneous Heat and Water Model of a Freezing Snow-Residue-Soil System II. Field Verification

Abstract

ABSTRACT Frozen soil has a major effect in many hydrologic and erosion situations, but it is very difficult to predict, especially on tilled agricultural soils with crop residue and intermittent show cover. A Simultaneous Heat And Water (SHAW) model to provide this predictability by simulating the interrelated heat, water and solute transfer through snow, crop residue and soil was presented in a companion paper (Part I). Detailed climatic, soil temperature, water content and frost depth data were collected for six diverse tillage-residue conditions during two winters to verify the model predictions. When compared to measured values, simulated soil temperatures were excellent, simulated frost depths were quite good, and simulated soil water profiles were good. Minimal calibration was necessary because the model uses fundamental equations for heat and water transfer with readily definable site parameters.