Physical Principles of Flow in Unsaturated Porous Media

A monograph on the theory of unsaturated flow (the flow of water in the subsurface zone above the water table), which offers perspectives on the application of continuum mechanics, thermodynamics and kinetic theory to the understanding of the flow of fluids in unsaturated porous media.

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This monograph concerns the theory of unsaturated flow (the flow of water in the subsurface zone above the water table). It offers a unique perspective on the application of continuum mechanics, thermodynamics and kinetic theory to the understanding of the flow of fluids in unsaturated porous media. Energy relations, including equilibrium thermodynamics, appear throughout. The partial differential equations of motion are derived using the principle of conservation of momentum. Chapters on instrumental methods and statistical methods of data analysis conclude the book. Its readership includes professionals concerned with the applications of unsaturated flow and graduate students in hydrology and Earth sciences.