Abstract:
Vadose
zone
hydrology
is
a
developing
science
influenced
by
earth
scientists
(soil
scientists,
pedologists,
hydrogeologists,
engineering
geologists
and
geomorphologists)
and
engineers
(geotechnical).
However,
problems
faced
are
associated
with
lack
of
agreement
between
basic
concepts,
different
approaches
and
definitions,
and
difficulty
in
communicating
findings
to
other
technical
or
non-‐technical
audiences.
The
need
for
better
cross-‐disciplinary
dialogue
and
understanding
subsequently
becomes
increasingly
important,
notably
given
the
sensitivity
of
investigation
related
to
ephemeral
wetlands,
contamination
and
water
impacting
infrastructure
development.
This
thesis
therefore
aims
to
address
basic
concepts,
accepted
methodologies
and
highly
variable
and
sensitive
case
studies
in
order
to
minimise
risk
in
the
assessment
of
the
vadose
zone.
Terminologies,
quantification,
methods
and
existing
guidelines
are
critically
appraised
and
validated
based
on
three
case
studies.
Findings
are
reported
in
order
to
improve
investigation
techniques
and
to
minimise
risk.
Final
recommendations
are
made
regarding
a
proposed
vadose
zone
assessment
protocol
to
ensure
compliance
to
a
set
of
minimum
requirements
for
vadose
zone
assessment.
It
is
hoped
that
such
a
methodology
will
be
implemented
towards
protection
of
the
natural
environment,
notably
in
urban
areas,
as
well
as
to
prevent
damage
to
infrastructure.
