Infiltration MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Infiltration capacity is the maximum rate at which soil can absorb water. The famous exponential theory for this was given by R. E. Horton.

Step-by-step solution

1. Understand what infiltration capacity means. It is the maximum rate at which water can enter the soil. 2. Recall who proposed the theories of hydrology. R. E. Horton gave the infiltration capacity equation in 1933. 3. Match this with the given options. Option D represents R. E. Horton. Answer: (D) R. E. Horton

Explanation

R. E. Horton proposed the infiltration capacity theory and equation in 1933. It shows how infiltration capacity decreases exponentially with time until it reaches a constant final value.

Why the other options are wrong

A: W. W. Horner worked on rainfall-runoff and urban drainage. B: L. K. Sherman is famous for the Unit Hydrograph theory. C: M. Bernard worked on rainfall intensity-duration formulas.

Shortcut

Remember Horton's equation for infiltration: f = fc + (fo - fc)exp(-kt).

Common mistake

Confusing Horton with L. K. Sherman who gave the Unit Hydrograph theory.