Infiltration MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Variation of infiltration capacity during a storm

Formula

Horton's equation: fp = fc + (f0 − fc) e^−kt

Step-by-step solution

1. At the start, the soil is dry and the infiltration capacity is at its maximum f0. 2. As the soil becomes wet and the pores fill, the capacity decays to a constant fc.

Explanation

Infiltration capacity is the maximum rate at which a soil can absorb water. It is highest at the beginning of a rainfall and decreases exponentially with time to a constant final value, as described by Horton's equation.

Shortcut

Infiltration capacity: starts high, decays to constant.

Common mistake

Assuming a constant rate.