Exploring the parameter space of the Green–Ampt model

This study systematically investigates the entire parameter space of the Green–Ampt model for water infiltration and allows for arbitrary constant hydraulic head boundary conditions, any column inclination, hydrophilic and hydrophobic porous media, and a nonzero initial cumulative infiltration. There are five infiltration and five liquid-withdrawal scenarios which differ with respect to the direction of flow and the sign of the acceleration of the liquid. We present analytical solutions for these flow scenarios and 2D phase diagrams that show which flow scenario is predicted depending on the model parameters. All liquid infiltration scenarios, except accelerating downward infiltration (ADI), have already been reported by Green and Ampt. For liquid withdrawal, however, only decelerating downward flow has previously been reported, which is representative of drainage to the water table. We present experimental evidence that ADI may occur in hydrophobic media.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ten flow scenarios and three equilibria are predicted by the Green–Ampt model. ► 2D phase diagrams are developed. ► A new flow scenario, accelerating downward infiltration, is shown to occur in hydrophobic media.