| In the research line “soil physics”,
the processes controlling the flow of water and dissolved substances
in variable saturated soils are being studied. This is pursued by
measuring the flow of water and transport of substances in laboratory
and field experiments, and the use of mathematical and stochastic
modelling techniques. Primarily models are used for a better understanding
and quantification of the governing processes, the inverse determination
of model parameters, and the predictive use of models. Models are
developed and extended, calibrated and validated and tested on their
predictive capacity. Validated models are used to improve and predict
the impact of policies and management regulations.
Special attention is given to:
- the monitoring of single and multiphase flow and the transport
of dissolved substances in soils and porous materials;
- the characterisation of matrix and preferential flow, and assessment
of the effect of spatial and temporal soil variability on water
flow andthe transport of material;
- the analysis of the effect of the injection of surfactants on
the mobility and displacement of contaminants;
- the calibration and validation, the sensitivity and uncertainty
analysis of models; and
- the use of models in scenario analyses as a basis in decision
making and the definition of policy rules.
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