Physical Principles of Flow in Unsaturated Porous Media (Oxford Monographs on Geology and Geophysics)

This monograph is a definitive work on the theory of unsaturated flow: the flow of subsurface water in zones above the water table. It offers a unique perspective on the application of continuum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetic theory to the understanding of these fluid flows in unsaturated porous media. Energy relations, including equilibrium thermodynamics, appear throughout. The partial differential equations of motion are derived using the principle of conservation of momentum. Chapters on instrumental methods and statistical methods of data analysis round out the book. The intended audience includes soil science and engineering professionals concerned with the applications of unsaturated flow and graduate students in hydrology and earth sciences.