
Unsaturated Flow Theory
Unsaturated Flow Theory describes how water moves through porous materials like soil when they're not fully soaked. It explains how water travels through the tiny spaces between soil particles, influenced by gravity and the water’s tendency to stick to the particles (capillarity). This process is important for understanding groundwater recharge, plant root absorption, and irrigation. The theory involves factors such as soil type, water pressure, and moisture levels, helping scientists and engineers predict water movement in the unsaturated zone, which is the area between the land surface and the water table.