Rainfall infiltration: Direct and Inverse problems on a linear evolution equation

Originating from the mathematical modelling of rainfall infiltration, we derive the solution of an initial-boundary value problem of a linear evolution partial differential equation, by using the Fokas method. We present numerical examples which correspond to specific physical rainfall problems. Based on this formalism we present an effective algorithm for the associated null-controllability problem, namely we numerically derive a family of boundary controls that steer the solution to the desired flat final state. Finally, a regularisation scheme allows the derivation of relatively small controls, in cases where this is necessary.