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Technical University of Munich

Modelling Processes in the Vadose Zone

Lecturer (assistant)
Karl Broich
Niklas Keßel
Number 0000003706
Type lecture
Duration 2 SWS
Term Sommersemester 2024
Language of instruction English
Position within curricula See TUMonline
Dates See TUMonline

Dates

Admission information

See TUMonline

Objectives

At the end of the module, students are able:
- to understand the basic processes controlling hydrological processes in the unsaturated zone
- to apply the flow equation for the unsaturated zone
- to create flow and transport modeling based on field measurements
- Through a series of computer exercises, the students will be familiar with the following tools: PMWIN, MATLAB and OWHM.

Description

- Hydrological surface processes driving soil moisture content
- Derivation of the flow equation in the unsaturated zone
- Introduction to implicit and explicit numerical methods for the solution of the unsaturated zone flow equation
- Flow in the unsaturated zone with OHWM
- Model Calibration, Inverse modelling
- Development of Matlab scripts for the solution of selected exercises

Prerequisites

Groundwater Modelling, Basic knowledge in hydrology, environmental monitoring and fluid mechanics (e.g. the BSc courses Grundmodul Hydrologie,Umweltmonitoring und Risikomanagement, Fluid Mechanics)

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching philosophy behind this module is based on the evidence that different study goals will be achieved using different approaches. While theoretical concepts and mathematical equations require an in-depth explanation, which is provided during the lectures, the understanding of a model requires hands-on learning, which will be provided during exercises and homework. During the lectures, the student will understand the theory, which is behind the model they are going to use in the exercises and homework. In this way, at the end of the module, they will be able to create their own model for the solution of flow in unsaturated porous media.

Examination

At the end of the module, students participate in a written exam of 60 minutes duration. The exam will verify that the students understand basic concepts of flow and transport processes in unsaturated porous media and that they are able to apply those concepts for the solution of problems within a given period of time. The exam will consist of open questions, multiple choice questions and exercises, which will require short computations. No auxiliary material is allowed during the exam.

Recommended literature

Fetter, Charles Willard. Contaminant hydrogeology. Vol. 500. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice hall, 1999.

Waller, Peter, and Muluneh Yitayew. Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. Springer, 2015.

- Chiang, W.-H., & Kinzelbach, W. (2001). 3D-Groundwater Modeling with PMWIN (With CD-ROM). Springer. Retrieved from http: //www.amazon.com/3D-Groundwater-Modeling-PMWIN-With-CD-ROM/dp/3540677445
- Holzbecher, E. (2012). Environmental Modeling: Using MATLAB. Springer.
- J. Bear, Hydraulics of Groundwater, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979
- P.A. Domenico, F.W. Schwartz, Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology, J. Wilson & Sons, New York, 1990
"PEST- Model interdependent parameter estimation users manual. Watermark computing. Australia
- Poeter, E. P. and M. C. Hill, 1998. Documentation of UCODE, a computer code for universal inverse modeling, U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigation Report 98-4080

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