Vadose Zone Processes: A Compendium for Teaching Interdisciplinary Modeling

Abstract

AbstractWe describe one approach of teaching vadose zone (VZ) processes to non‐vadose zone (NVZ) scholars interested in the water and climate change nexus. Our objective is to introduce key models and input parameters, briefly explain the mechanics of solving the problem using the Richards equation approach, and to point out alternative and scale‐dependent approaches and solutions. Our goal is to provide enough information such that students gain some familiarity with key terms, have a rudimentary mechanistic understanding, and most importantly, know where to look for more information. We recognize that in some situations a significant amount of complexity is embedded within problem solutions, and we have not attempted to broaden the scope to include every interaction. Rather, we focus on the defining principles of soil‐water physics to introduce the VZ to NVZ scholars. We propose the use of water as a lens to allow for an accessible categorization of VZ processes. This in turn will form the foundation for the impact of those models on student learning, experiences and attitudes towards VZ modeling.