Some aspects of three-dimensional infiltration

Laboratory and field experiments on infiltration from hemispherical cavities have provided data to test proposed approximate solutions for cumulative infiltration. Within the limits of possible experimental errors, the theory appears to be adequate. Gravity effects are relatively unimportant in three-dimensional infiltration. The analysis of flow from cavities therefore provides a useful means of measuring sorptivity in situ, especially where hydraulic conductivity is high relative to sorptivity. Final, steady, infiltration rates, observed in most experiments within half an hour, depended strongly on capillary properties as well as on hydraulic conductivity. The present analysis is used to interpret results reported from ring infiltrometer studies.