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Symmetry Solutions for Transient Solute Transport in Unsaturated Soils with Realistic Water Profile

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Abstract

We examine solutions for solute transport using the convection-dispersion equation (CDE) during steady evaporation from a water table. It is common, when solving the CDE, to first approximate the volumetric water content of the soil as a constant. Here, we assume a reasonable function for the water content profile and construct realistic nonlinear hydraulic transport properties. Both classical and nonclassical symmetry techniques are employed. Invariant solutions are obtained for the one dimensional CDE even with a nontrivial background profile for volumetric water content.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Mathematical Modelling and Computational Systems, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, 2522, New South Wales, Australia

    R. J. Moitsheki & M. P. Edwards

  2. Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Delaware, 501 Ewing Hall, Newark, DE, 19716-2553, U.S.A.

    P. Broadbridge

Authors
  1. R. J. Moitsheki
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  2. P. Broadbridge
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  3. M. P. Edwards
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Correspondence to P. Broadbridge.

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Moitsheki, R.J., Broadbridge, P. & Edwards, M.P. Symmetry Solutions for Transient Solute Transport in Unsaturated Soils with Realistic Water Profile. Transp Porous Med 61, 109–125 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-004-6799-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-004-6799-8

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