A hydromechanical envelope that governs the onset of soil erosion by seepage-induced internal instability is examined with reference to theoretical and laboratory stress-gradient paths for one-dimensional upward downward seepage flow. The method validated from permeameter test results on glass ballotini. Using theory, analysis a database 22 gradations establishes semi-empirical relation between...

Trees face the dilemma that achieving high plant productivity is accompanied by a risk of drought-induced hydraulic failure due to a trade-off in the trees' vascular system between hydraulic efficiency and safety. By investigating the xylem anatomy of branches and coarse roots, and measuring branch axial hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to cavitation in 4-year-old field-grown aspen plan...

Hydraulic fracturing is an important method of reservoir stimulation in the exploitation of geothermal resources, and conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources. In this article, hydraulic fracturing experiments with shale, sandstone cores (from southern Sichuan Basin), and granite cores (from Inner Mongolia) were conducted to investigate the different hydraulic fracture extension pa...

Plant hydraulic traits are key for understanding and predicting tree drought responses. Information about the degree of traits’ intra-specific variability may guide selection drought-resistant genotypes is crucial trait-based modelling approaches. For three temperate minor broadleaf species Acer platanoides, Carpinus betulus Tilia cordata, we measured xylem embolism resistance (P50), leaf turgo...