New insights on the origin of the Richardson-Richards equation
Hydrological Sciences Journal
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Abstract
The Richardson-Richards equation (RRE), despite known shortcomings especially in regard to preferential flow, provides the basis of the vast majority of unsaturated flow models in use today. L.F. Richardson published this equation in 1922, nine years before L.A. Richards. Whereas Richards approached this problem directly from the groundbreaking developments of Edgar Buckingham, Richardson, surprisingly, cited as his starting point only the earlier work of L.J. Briggs. Collectively, these four scientists’ published and unpublished work reveals that: (1) Briggs’ work, though qualitative, captured the essential physical principles needed for quantifying unsaturated flow; (2) Buckingham came very close to deriving the RRE and explained why he stopped short of doing so; (3) derivation of the RRE from the work of either Briggs or Buckingham required only modest developmental work; and (4) besides deriving the RRE, Richards carried through much of the experimental agenda that Buckingham considered a necessary precursor to mathematical treatment.
Suggested Citation
Nimmo, J.R., 2024, New insights on the origin of the Richardson-Richards equation: Hydrological Sciences Journal, v. 69, no. 15, p. 2153-2158, https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2024.2404714.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | New insights on the origin of the Richardson-Richards equation |
| Series title | Hydrological Sciences Journal |
| DOI | 10.1080/02626667.2024.2404714 |
| Volume | 69 |
| Issue | 15 |
| Publication Date | October 03, 2024 |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Contributing office(s) | WMA - Earth System Processes Division |
| Description | 6 p. |
| First page | 2153 |
| Last page | 2158 |