GLY 6826 Hydrogeologic Modeling

Course Objectives:

Introduce the basics of hydrogeologic modeling and its uses and limitations.
Provide experience in translating the geology and hydrology of field problems into numerical simulations
Provide a better understanding of fluid flow process through numerical modeling examples.

 

Textbook: Applied Groundwater Modeling, 1992, M. P. Anderson and W.W. Woessner . Relevant chapters are noted in the topic list below as A&W.

 

Background:  A previous groundwater flow class. Take a look at the basics that we will review during the first week. Most of these should look familiar to you.

Computer Needs: You should have access to a PC to install and run GWVistas. We need enough laptops (~1 per every 2 students) so that you can work on the modeling during the class period. Generally this has not been a problem. 

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Example Course Schedule/Topics

Week 1 and 2

 Introduction to class.  

What is a hydrogeologic model? Why model? (Ch 1 A&W)

Groundwater Basics Review

Groundwater Flow Equations (Ch 2 A&W)

  • Assignment 1: 1D finite-difference equations and spreadsheet modeling (1D)

Week 3

Introduction to MODFLOW and Groundwater Vistas. Two dimensional steady-state flow.

  • Assignment 2

Week 4

Building conceptual models

  • Assignment 3

Week 5

assigning parameters  (ch 3 A&W)

Assignment 4 Steady state model of a small groundwater basin

Week 6

boundary conditions (Ch 4 A&W); sources and sinks (Ch 5 A&W)

Assignment 5: Boundary conditions in MODFLOW

Week 7

model calibration and sensitivity analysis (Ch 8 A& W)

  Assignment 6: steady-state simulation calibration and sensitivity

Week 8

transient simulations (Ch 7 A& W)

   Assignment 7: transient simulation

Week 10
  • Basics of Solute/Contaminant Transport, Particle Tracking (Ch 11 A& W)

Week 11

    Exam

Modeling karst aquifers: Conduit Flow Processes

Week 12

Proposals for Individual Projects

Week 13

Documenting and Reporting your Modeling Study (Ch 9 A & W)

  • Modeling Examples

Work on individual projects

Week 14 and 15

Work on individual projects

Project Presentations