HR: 1340h
AN: H53A-0452    [Abstracts]
TI: Reconsideration of "Engineering Science" in the Context of Vadose Zone Processes
AU: * Selker, J S
EM: selkerj@engr.orst.edu
AF: Oregon State University, rm 116 Gilmore Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331 United States
AB: Engineering is dedicated to generating predictable outcomes from a foundation of scientifically valid conceptual models. It is argued that this type of meaningful quantitative prediction is with some frequency not possible in vadose zone processes, thereby challenging both societal concepts of engineering, and the research community's own aspirations. These concepts are supported through case studies of macropore flow, fingered flow, and capillary barrier flow with a focus on fundamental predictability and tractability of quantitative prediction. These prominent topics of engineering research are shown to be in large part incompatible with quantitative prediction, even in a Monte Carlo sense. A challenge is presented to the community: how will we confront the pressures of a society that expects numbers, and funding mechanisms that favor safe dead-ends over enlightening exploration, while still striving to illuminate the behavior of vadose zone processes that are critical to life on Earth? Our vigilance in appraising what is possible in our research, and the maintenance of integrity in our communication of both the limitations and opportunities of further research are essential to the long-term vigor of this discipline.
DE: 1829 Groundwater hydrology
DE: 1838 Infiltration
DE: 1847 Modeling
DE: 1866 Soil moisture
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005