Author(s): Stephen William Rees; Nazri Bin Al; Catherine A. M E. Wilson
Linked Author(s): Catherine A. M. E. Wilson
Keywords: Groundwater; Modelling; Vegetation; Soils; Stability
Abstract: Significant variations in groundwater may occur in the presence of vegetation. Surface flows, run-on/run-off, interception, percolation, and evaporation are all influenced to some extent. Furthermore, the stability of soil slopes within a catchment can also be dependent on the presence or removal of vegetation. This is a problem that is exacerbated by climate change and increasingly intense rainfall events. This paper explores the development of a numerical model of water uptake in the vicinity of vegetation. The model has been applied to simulate ground water content changes. This information has then been employed in an assessment of the stability of a typical soil slope. Particular attention has been given to the assessment of stability under partially saturated soil conditions thus indicating potential strength loss caused by removal of vegetation or saturation of a slope at some stage. It is shown that groundwater changes near established trees can cause a significant variation in the factor of safety against failure. The work is viewed as a contribution to the overall assessment of surface/subsurface hydrodynamics.
Year: 2009