gen-define-infiltration-capacity-and-give-one-short-worked-examp-a48d

Define infiltration capacity and give one short worked example.

# Infiltration Capacity ## Definition **Infiltration capacity** is the maximum rate at which soil can absorb water under given conditions. It is expressed as a depth per unit time (mm/hr or cm/hr) and decreases over time as the soil becomes saturated. The most common equation is **Horton's equation**: **f = fc + (f₀ - fc)e^(-kt)** Where: - f = infiltration capacity at time t - f₀ = initial infiltration capacity - fc = final (equilibrium) infiltration capacity - k = decay constant - t = time from start of rainfall --- ## Worked Example **Given:** - Initial infiltration capacity, f₀ = 10 cm/hr - Final infiltration capacity, fc = 2 cm/hr - Decay constant, k = 0.5 hr⁻¹ - Find infiltration capacity after t = 2 hours **Solution:** f = fc + (f₀ - fc)e^(-kt) f = 2 + (10 - 2)e^(-0.5 × 2) f = 2 + 8e^(-1.0) f = 2 + 8(0.368) f = 2 + 2.94 **f = 4.94 cm/hr** **Answer:** The infiltration capacity after 2 hours is **4.94 cm/hr**.