Flow patterns

• close relation between infiltration/seepage and water quality

  • when water moves from infiltration area to seepage area, there is an increase in moisture, nutrients and base excess
  • soil profile changes due to infiltration/seepage
• when water enters deeper groundwater

  • dissolution of calcium carbonate
  • increase in pH
  • reduction in iron
• recharge (infiltration) area

  • groundwater flux increases
  • slope groundwater level increases
  • horizontal distance isohypses decreases
• seepage area

  • groundwater flux decreases
  • slope groundwater level decreases
  • horizontal distance isohypses increases
• infiltration seen when isohypses lines are closer together while seepage is seen when isohypses lines are farther apart
• seepage/infiltration depends on scale of observation
• stationary flow: flow constant in time
• groundwater flow in winter

  • high groundwater level
  • drainage to ditches
  • seepage more concentrated at ditches
• groundwater flow in summer

  • low groundwater level
  • infiltration from ditches
  • seepage might transform into infiltration