A NOVEL METHODOLOGY FOR INFILTRATION MODEL STUDIES

Infiltration is treated as one of the important parameter of the hydrological cycle as far as ground water recharge is concerned. It depends on soil characteristics such as soil texture, hydraulic conductivity, soil structure, vegetation cover, porosity, permeability, degree of saturation etc. Determination of infiltration rates is useful for mitigation of hydrological riskand reflects the future of ground water resources in the study area. Infiltration of water into the soil is determined by a simple instrument called Double ring infiltrometer. Infiltration models are the empirical formulae developed using infiltration concepts which is used to determine the infiltration rate of soil. One way ANOVA test was performed to find the significance of the infiltration models. In the present study an attempt is made to validate the Horton's model, Green ampt model and Kostiakov's infiltration model with observed field data for a residential area, Ernakulam. From the present study significant model for the particular site is determined by using decision factor analysis.