Channel Infiltration study using dye tracers

Abstract

For the estimation of transmission losses in an ephemeral stream, two infiltration tests were conducted in the dry channel. The advance of the wetting front was monitored with resistance plates. The hydraulic parameters for two infiltration models were derived using in­ verse estimation methods. Additionally dye tracer was used to investigate flow patterns in the alluvium that may have influenced the infiltration tests. For this purpose Sulforhodamin was used because of its sorptivity. The occurrence of lateral concentrated flow above a layer with a slightly higher content of fines could be documented by this method.