The 'infiltration capacity' of a soil decreases with time during rainfall because:
Choose the correct answer
Rainfall intensity decreases
Soil wetness increases (less suction gradient, void filling, possible surface sealing) — f asymptotically approaches fc
Temperature rises during rainfall
There is no change — f is constant
Correct Answer
B. Soil wetness increases (less suction gradient, void filling, possible surface sealing) — f asymptotically approaches fc
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Infiltration capacity f decreases over time: initially high when soil dry (large suction gradient + large capillary voids). As rain continues: soil wets, void space fills, surface seals (swelling of clay particles, fine particles wash in), suction gradient reduces. Eventually: f approaches steady-state (fc = saturated hydraulic conductivity). Horton equation: f = fc + (f0-fc)e^(-kt).
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