8. 29.6 Conceptual and Physically Based Models

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is Richards’ Equation used for?

   Hint

   Recall the primary application of Richards’ Equation.

2. 2.

   Define what a physically based model entails.

   Hint

   Consider the difference from empirical models.

3. 3.

   What does Richards’ Equation govern?

   • Surface runoff
   • Unsaturated flow
   • Groundwater recharge

   Hint

   Consider what conditions it addresses.

4. 4.

   True or False: Physically-based models do not require actual soil property data.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how models are built.

5. 5.

   A farmer conducts an experiment to determine soil properties essential for modeling water infiltration. What steps should he take to analyze these properties using Richards’ Equation?

   Hint

   Consider the flow of steps from sampling to modeling.

6. 6.

   You are tasked with simulating water flow for a multi-layered soil profile using Richards’ Equation. Outline how computational complexity might affect your simulation.

   Hint

   Think about how multiple variables can complicate a model.