Geostatistical analysis of flows in the vadose zone

The thesis aims to evaluate the theoretical-applicative aspects related to the monitoring and forecasting of soil water dynamics at practical interest scale. The work is focused on the development of models for the description of water flow in homogeneous and heterogeneous soils and the resolution of them. The spatial variations of the hydraulic properties of the soil and of the solute concentration are a consequence of soil heterogeneity. Therefore, considering these variations as a consequence of a limited knowledge of the porous medium, methods will be developed that allow to estimate the mains tatistical indices of the transport process variables, namely: watercontent, pressure head, hydraulic conductivity and solute concentration. The validity of the predictions of mathematical models is linked not only to the correct schematisation adopted to describe the physical phenomena involved in the processes during the study, but also by their validation with reference to a typical case of study.