The application of knowledge-based surface flux boundary modelling

The moisture flux boundary condition at the ground surface is dynamic and continuously driven by atmospheric forcing events. The application of the SoilCover model to predict the flux boundary conditions for two soil cover systems is demonstrated in this paper. A knowledge-based system is used to predict the soil-water characteristic curves and associated soil property functions required for the SoilCover model. A case study for the Saskatoon landfill is reviewed. The analyses show that both soil properties and climate parameters are paramount. The final approach used for the design of any ground surface profile to control flux boundary conditions must include climatic parameters together with hydraulic properties of the soil profile.