Introduction to Infiltration

Infiltration is the process where water from precipitation seeps into the ground. By inspecting the moisture content of soil, we may demarcate four moisture zones, namely saturated zone, transition zone, transmission zone and wetting zone.

In hydrological study related to infiltration, we are interested in infiltration capacity and field capacity. Infiltration capacity is the maximum rate of water absorption by the ground, while field capacity is the maximum volume of water that can be retained by the ground.

When the rainfall intensity is lower than the infiltration capacity of the ground, all the water received from precipitation can infiltrate smoothly. When the storm intensity is higher than the infiltration capacity, some water will be discharged away as runoff.

Factors affecting the infiltration capacity of soil include soil properties, surface conditions and fluid characteristics.

The following shows the concepts and information related to infiltration. Watch the video above for full details.

Moisture zones

Infiltration capacity and field capacity concept

Infiltration model and cases

Soil as factor affecting infiltration capacity

Ground surface condition as factor affecting infiltration capacity

Fluid characteristics as factor affecting infiltration capacity


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