Technical note: Inference in hydrology from entropy balance considerations
<p class="p">In this study, the method of inference of macroscale thermodynamic potentials, forces, and exchange coefficients for variably saturated groundwater flow is outlined based on the entropy balance. The theoretical basis of the method of inference is the explicit calculation...
Main Author: | |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2016-07-01
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Series: | Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |
Online Access: | http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/20/2801/2016/hess-20-2801-2016.pdf |
Summary: | <p class="p">In this study, the method of inference of macroscale thermodynamic
potentials, forces, and exchange coefficients for variably saturated
groundwater flow is outlined based on the entropy balance. The theoretical
basis of the method of inference is the explicit calculation of the internal
entropy production from microscale, thermodynamic flux–force relationships
using, e.g., hyper-resolution variably saturated groundwater flow models.
Emphasis is placed on the two-scale nature of the entropy balance equation
that allows simultaneously incorporating movement equations at the micro- and
macroscale. The method is illustrated with simple hydrologic cross sections
at steady state and periodic sources/sinks at dynamic equilibrium, and
provides a thermodynamic point of view of upscaling in variably saturated
groundwater flow. The current limitations in the connection with observable
variables and predictive capabilities are discussed, and some perspectives
for future research are provided.</p> |
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ISSN: | 1027-5606 1607-7938 |