A Numerical Approach To The Forest Impact Problem.

Abstract

We propose a numerical method for the computer simulation of the forest
impact on aquifers. By this phenomenon it is mean the raising or the lowering of the
groundwater table under the areas felled or recovered by the trees. The mathematical model
of the forest impact includes a boundary-value problem with free and contact boundary
conditions. Numerical results for an illustrative 2D test problem are discussed. The test
shows that even in our model of forest impact, that takes into account only some principal
characteristics of this phenomenon, the water table lowering owing to the forest suction is
significative enough to be considered as an effective means for control of groundwater.