Analysis of spatial variability in unsaturated flow is critical to evaluating contaminant transport in areas of focused or preferential flow. This study examined spatial variability at a variety of scales from focused flow through playas to preferential flow in macropores.

The ooid-sand shoals of the Joulters Cays area of Great Bahama Bank were chosen for detailed sedimentologic study to investigate patterns of internal heterogeneity within a modern carbonate sand deposit and to develop criteria for predicting the lateral extent of porous and permeable carbonate gr