METEOROLOGY – HYDROLOGY & FLOOD CALCULATOR
Green Ampt Infiltration
A precise tool.
What is the Green Ampt Infiltration & How does it work?
The Green-Ampt infiltration model is a widely used method for calculating the rate at which water infiltrates into soil. It assumes that the soil moisture content increases linearly with time until it reaches the wilting point, after which the infiltration rate becomes constant.This model is particularly useful in hydrology and flood management for predicting soil water movement and potential runoff.
i = frac{K_s}{1 + theta_w} cdot (theta – theta_i) cdot e^{-t/tau}
i = infiltration rate, K_s = saturated hydraulic conductivity, theta_w = wilting point moisture content, theta = initial moisture content, theta_i = initial infiltration capacity, t = time, tau = characteristic time
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green-Ampt infiltration model?
The Green-Ampt model calculates how quickly water infiltrates soil, assuming linear increase in moisture until the wilting point.
How do I use this calculator?
Enter the saturated hydraulic conductivity, wilting point moisture content, initial moisture content, and time to get the infiltration rate.
What does K_s represent in the model?
K_s is the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil, representing how easily water moves through it when fully wet.
How does the wilting point affect infiltration?
The wilting point moisture content determines when the infiltration rate becomes constant after initial linear increase.
What units should I use for input values?
Use consistent units such as cm/h for hydraulic conductivity, and dimensionless ratios for moisture contents.
Can this model be used for all soil types?
While widely applicable, the Green-Ampt model may not account for all soil complexities; it works best for homogeneous soils.
What is the significance of the time variable in the equation?
The time variable affects how the infiltration rate changes over time, influencing when the constant rate phase begins.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.