Finite analytic method for simulating water flow using water content-based Richards' equation

Zai-yong Zhang; Da Xu; Cheng-cheng Gong; Bin Ran; Xue-ke Wang; Wan-yu Zhang; Jun-zuo Pan

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2025.9280045

Volume 13 Issue 2

Jun. 2025

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Article Navigation > Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering > 2025 > 13(2): 147-155

Zhang ZY, Xu D, Gong CC, et al. 2025. Finite analytic method for simulating water flow using water content-based Richards' equation. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 13(2): 147-155 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2025.9280045

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Finite analytic method for simulating water flow using water content-based Richards' equation

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2025.9280045

Zai-yong Zhang^{1, 2},
Da Xu^{1, 2},
Cheng-cheng Gong^{1, 3
,
,},
Bin Ran^{1, 2},
Xue-ke Wang^{1, 2},
Wan-yu Zhang^{1, 2},
Jun-zuo Pan^{1, 2}

1.
Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Chang'an University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an 710054, China
2.
School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an 710054, China
3.
Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China

More Information

Corresponding author: gcc895470127@163.com
Received Date: 2024-04-22
Accepted Date: 2025-03-26

Available Online: 2025-05-10

Publish Date: 2025-06-30

Abstract

Abstract

Accurately simulating water flow movement in vadose zone is crucial for effective water resources assessment. Richards' equation, which describes the movement of water flow in the vadose zone, is highly nonlinear and challenging to solve. Existing numerical methods often face issues such as numerical dispersion, oscillation, and mass non-conservation when spatial and temporal discretization conditions are not appropriately configured. To address these problems and achieve accurate and stable numerical solutions, a finite analytic method based on water content-based Richards' equation (FAM-W) is proposed. The performance of the FAM-W is compared with analytical solutions, Finite Difference Method (FDM), and Finite Analytic Method based on the pressure Head-based Richards' equation (FAM-H). Compared to analytical solution and other numerical methods (FDM and FAM-H), FAM-W demonstrates superior accuracy and efficiency in controlling mass balance errors, regardless of spatial step sizes. This study introduces a novel approach for modelling water flow in the vadose zone, offering significant benefits for water resources management.
- Finite analytic method,
- Vadose zone,
- Soil moisture,
- Finite difference method,
- Analytical solution,
- Richards' equation,
- Water resources management

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References(35)

References

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