Depth-Dependent Seasonal Variation of Soil Water in a Thick Vadose Zone in the Badain Jaran Desert, China

Research reveals that seasonal soil moisture variations in the Badain Jaran Desert's thick vadose zone stabilize below 47 meters, leading to consistent groundwater recharge of approximately 30.7 ± 4 mm/yr regardless of season. This finding highlights the depth-dependent dynamics of infiltration and its minimal impact on groundwater recharge due to the significant distance (50–480 m) to the water table in this arid region. The study combined numerical and analytical models to assess these variations, demonstrating how deep vadose zones can buffer seasonal meteorological influences on soil water content.

Zhou, Y., Wang, X.-S., & Han, P.-F. (2018). Depth-Dependent Seasonal Variation of Soil Water in a Thick Vadose Zone in the Badain Jaran Desert, China. Water, 10(12), 1719. https://doi.org/10.3390/w10121719