We demonstrate with the help of a numerical simulation model for hysteretic water movement that for horizontal redistribution three types of flow can occur. Raats and Van Duijn <1995> previously identified these types as a reaction to a specific analysis by Philip <1991>. Depending on the initial conditions in two parts of an infinitely long soil column, there can be no flow, conventional flow from the wet part to the dry part, or unconventional flow from the dry part to the wet part. When flow occurs, the cumulative wetting and cumulative drying both show the expected linear relationship with the square root of time. Hysteresis is described according to the modified dependent domain model of Mualem <1984>. We also indicate that Kool and Parker <1987>, who used this model as well, presented a erroneous expression for the differential moisture capacity of the scanning drying curve. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union