Observations are the cornerstone of understanding hydrological processes, providing essential data for model development and validation. However, the integration of monitoring strategies and measurement tools into data mining and modeling remains a significant challenge in vadose zone hydrology. To address this, advancements in technologies such as remote sensing, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and the Internet of Things are crucial. This session aims to explore the integration of diverse observational approaches across different spatial scales to enhance our understanding of vadose zone processes. By combining advanced technologies, soil processes can be simulated and predicted at large spatial scales, enabling the evaluation of global warming, soil contamination, salinization, erosion, and land use change impacts on soil and water resources in agro-ecosystems (i.e., arable land and grassland, orchards, forest, agro-forestry, urban fabric).
We invite contributions on the following topics:
• Innovative observation techniques and technologies: New methods for measuring soil variables and fluxes (e.g., soil moisture) and other vadose zone physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties.
• Data mining and analysis: Advanced techniques for extracting meaningful information from large and complex datasets.
• Model development and integration: Coupling of models with various observation data sources to improve predictions.
• Applications and case studies: Demonstration on how integrated observations and models can address specific hydrological challenges to evaluate the impact of natural and human disturbances (extreme weather events exacerbated by global warming, soil contamination, salinization, erosion, and land use change) on soil and water resources.
• Challenges and future directions: Discussions on the limitations and opportunities for future research in vadose zone hydrology.
By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing knowledge, this session will significantly advance our understanding and management of the vadose zone, a critical region in the Earth's subsurface that controls the flow of water, nutrients, and pollutants.