Infiltrometer tests in Ad-Dahna sand dunes

Abstract EN

Two sets of infiltrometer tests were conducted in Ad-Dahna sand dune area.

The first set consisted of five infiltration experiments that were performed at different locations in Ad-Dahna.

The other set involved test at one location but with different initial moisture contents.

Green and Ampt approach was used to predict first set field values.

Predictions of Green and Ampt method were compared with field results.

Experiments have shown uniformity of dune sand in terms of initial moisture content at the beginning of the season, final moisture content after wetting and hydraulic conductivity.

Final moisture content in sand dunes was found to be significantly smaller than total porosity.

Moisture content dropped rapidly after wetting until residual moisture is reached.

After that, the decrease in moisture content seems to slow down substantially