Introduction to Groundwater Modelling

C. P. Kumar
Scientist ‘E1’

National Institute of Hydrology

Roorkee – 247667 (Uttaranchal)
India

Email: cpkumar@yahoo.com
Webpage: http://www.angelfire.com/nh/cpkumar/
Presentation Outline
Groundwater in Hydrologic Cycle
Why Groundwater Modelling is needed?
Mathematical Models
Modelling Protocol
Model Design
Calibration and Validation
Groundwater Flow Models
Groundwater Modelling Resources
Groundwater in Hydrologic Cycle
Types of Terrestrial Water

Surface
Water

Soil
Moisture

Ground water
 Pores Full of Combination of Air and Water
Unsaturated Zone / Zone of Aeration / Vadose
(Soil Water)

Zone of Saturation (Ground water)

Pores Full Completely with Water

 Groundwater

Important source of clean water

More abundant than SW

Baseflow Linked to SW systems

Sustains flows
in streams
 Groundwater Concerns?

pollution

groundwater mining
subsidence
Problems with groundwater
 Groundwater overdraft / mining / subsidence

 Waterlogging

 Seawater intrusion

 Groundwater pollution
Why Groundwater Modelling is needed?
Groundwater

• An important component of water resource systems.

• Extracted from aquifers through pumping wells and

supplied for domestic use, industry and agriculture.

• With increased withdrawal of groundwater, the quality

of groundwater has been continuously deteriorating.

• Water can be injected into aquifers for storage and/or

quality control purposes.
 Management of a groundwater system, means
making such decisions as:

• The total volume that may be withdrawn annually from the

aquifer.

• The location of pumping and artificial recharge wells, and their

rates.

• Decisions related to groundwater quality.

Groundwater contamination by:

 Hazardous industrial wastes

 Leachate from landfills

 Agricultural activities such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides

 MANAGEMENT means making decisions to achieve goals without
violating specified constraints.

 Good management requires information on the response of the

managed system to the proposed activities.

 This information enables the decision-maker, to compare alternative

actions and to ensure that constraints are not violated.

 Any planning of mitigation or control measures, once contamination

has been detected in the saturated or unsaturated zones, requires
the prediction of the path and the fate of the contaminants, in
response to the planned activities.

 Any monitoring or observation network must be based on the

anticipated behavior of the system.
 A tool is needed that will provide this information.

 The tool for understanding the system and its behavior

and for predicting this response is the model.

 Usually, the model takes the form of a set of

mathematical equations, involving one or more partial
differential equations. We refer to such model as a
mathematical model.

 The preferred method of solution of the mathematical

model of a given problem is the analytical solution.
 The advantage of the analytical solution is that the
same solution can be applied to various numerical
values of model coefficients and parameters.

 Unfortunately, for most practical problems, because of

the heterogeneity of the considered domain, the
irregular shape of its boundaries, and the non-analytic
form of the various functions, solving the mathematical
models analytically is not possible.

 Instead, we transform the mathematical model into a

numerical one, solving it by means of computer
programs.
:Prior to determining the management scheme for any aquifer

We should have a CALIBRATED MODEL of the aquifer, especially,

we should know the aquifer’s natural replenishment (from
precipitation and through aquifer boundaries).

,The model will provide the response of the aquifer (water levels
concentrations, etc.) to the implementation of any management
.alternative
We should have a POLICY that dictates management objectives
.and constraints
Obviously, we also need information about the water demand
interaction with other ,)quantity and quality, current and future(
parts of the water resources system, economic information, sources
...,of pollution, effect of changes on the environment---springs, rivers
 GROUND WATER MODELING

WHY MODEL?

•To make predictions about a ground-water

system’s response to a stress

•To understand the system

•To design field studies

•Use as a thinking tool

 Use of Groundwater models
• Can be used for three general purposes:
• To predict or forecast expected artificial
or natural changes in the system.
Predictive is more applied to deterministic
models since it carries higher degree of
certainty, while forecasting is used with
probabilistic (stochastic) models.
 Use of Groundwater models
• To describe the system in order to analyse
various assumptions
• To generate a hypothetical system that
will be used to study principles of
groundwater flow associated with various
general or specific problems.
ALL GROUND-WATER HYDROLOGY WORK IS MODELING

A Model is a representation of a system.

Modeling begins when one formulates a concept of a

hydrologic system,
continues with application of, for example,
Darcy's Law to the problem,
and may
culminate in a complex numerical simulation.
Ground Water Flow Modelling

A Powerful Tool
for furthering our understanding
of hydrogeological systems

Importance of understanding ground water flow models

Construct accurate representations of hydrogeological systems
Understand the interrelationships between elements of
systems
Efficiently develop a sound mathematical representation
Make reasonable assumptions and simplifications
Understand the limitations of the mathematical representation
Understand the limitations of the interpretation of the results
Introduction to Ground Water Flow Modelling

Predicting heads (and flows) and

Approximating parameters
h(x,y,z,t)?
Poten
Solutions to the flow equations tiome
tri
Most ground water flow models are Surfa c
ce
solutions of some form of the ground
water flow equation
x
The partial differential equation needs
to be solved to calculate head as a q
function of position and time, K
i.e., h=f(x,y,z,t)
“e.g., unidirectional, steady-state flow ho x x h(x)
x
within a confined aquifer
Darcy’s Law Integrated 0 x
 Groundwater Modeling
 The only effective way to test effects of
groundwater management strategies
 Takes time, money to make model
 Conceptual model
Steady state model
Transient model
 The model is only as good as its calibration
 Processes we might want to model

• Groundwater flow
calculate both heads and flow

• Solute transport – requires information

on flow (velocities)
calculate concentrations
 MODELING PROCESS

ALL IMPORTANT MECHANISMS & PROCESSES MUST BE INCLUDED IN

THE MODEL, OR RESULTS WILL BE INVALID.
TYPES OF MODELS
CONCEPTUAL MODEL QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM
"a cartoon of the system in your mind"

MATHEMATICAL MODEL MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF

SYSTEM

SIMPLE - ANALYTICAL (provides a continuous solution over the

model domain)

COMPLEX - NUMERICAL (provides a discrete solution - i.e. values are

calculated at only a few points)

ANALOG MODEL e.g. ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOW through a

circuit board with resistors to represent hydraulic conductivity and
capacitors to represent storage coefficient

PHYSICAL MODEL e.g. SAND TANK which poses scaling problems

Mathematical Models
Mathematical model:

simulates ground-water flow and/or

solute fate and transport indirectly by
means of a set of governing equations
thought to represent the physical
processes that occur in the system.

(Anderson and Woessner, 1992)

Components of a Mathematical Model

• Governing Equation
(Darcy’s law + water balance equation)
with head (h) as the dependent variable

• Boundary Conditions
• Initial conditions (for transient problems)
 Derivation of the Governing Equation

R x y Q

z

x
y
1. Consider flux (q) through REV
2. OUT – IN = - Storage
3. Combine with: q = -K grad h
 Law of Mass Balance + Darcy’s Law =
Governing Equation for Groundwater Flow
---------------------------------------------------------------

div q = - Ss (h t) (Law of Mass Balance)

q = - K grad h (Darcy’s Law)

div (K grad h) = Ss (h t)

(Ss = S /  z)
 General governing equation
for steady-state, heterogeneous, anisotropic
conditions, without a source/sink term

 h  h  h
( Kx )  ( Ky )  ( Kz )  0
x x y y z z

with a source/sink term

 h  h  h
( Kx )  ( Ky )  ( Kz )   R *
x x y y z z
General governing equation for transient,
heterogeneous, and anisotropic conditions

 h  h  h h
( Kx )  ( Ky )  ( Kz )  Ss  R*
x x y y z z t

Specific Storage
Ss = V / (x y z h)
 h
h

S=V/Ah
S = Ss b Confined aquifer
Unconfined aquifer
Specific yield Storativity

Figures taken from Hornberger et al. (1998)

 General 3D equation
 h  h  h h
( Kx )  ( Ky )  ( Kz )  Ss  R*
x x y y z z t

 h  h h
2D confined: (Tx )  (Ty )  S R
x x y y t

2D unconfined:  h  h h
(hKx )  (hKy )  S R
x x y y t

Storage coefficient (S) is either storativity or specific yield.

S = Ss b & T = K b
Types of Solutions of Mathematical Models

• Analytical Solutions: h= f(x,y,z,t)

(example: Theis equation)

• Numerical Solutions
Finite difference methods
Finite element methods

• Analytic Element Methods (AEM)

Limitations of Analytical Models

The flexibility of analytical modeling is

limited due to simplifying assumptions:
Homogeneity, Isotropy, simple geometry,
simple initial conditions…

Geology is inherently complex:

Heterogeneous, anisotropic, complex
geometry, complex conditions…

This complexity calls for a more

powerful solution to the flow equation  Numerical
modeling
 Numerical Methods
 All numerical methods involve
representing the flow domain by a
limited number of discrete points called
nodes.
 A set of equations are then derived to
relate the nodal values of the
dependent variable such that they
satisfy the governing PDE, either
approximately or exactly.
• Numerical Solutions

Discrete solution of head at selected nodal points.

Involves numerical solution of a set of algebraic
equations.

Finite difference models (e.g., MODFLOW)

Finite element models (e.g., SUTRA)
 Finite Difference Modelling

3-D Finite Difference Models

Requires vertical discretization (or layering) of model

K1
K2
K3
K4
 Finite difference models
may be solved using:

• a computer program
(e.g., a FORTRAN program)

• a spreadsheet (e.g., EXCEL)

Finite Elements: basis functions, variational principle,
Galerkin’s method, weighted residuals

• Nodes plus elements; elements defined by nodes

• Properties (K, S) assigned to elements

• Nodes located on flux boundaries

• Able to simulate point sources/sinks at nodes
• Flexibility in grid design:
elements shaped to boundaries
elements fitted to capture detail

• Easier to accommodate anisotropy that occurs at an

angle to the coordinate axis
Hybrid

Analytic Element Method (AEM)

Involves superposition of analytic solutions. Heads are
calculated in continuous space using a computer to do
the mathematics involved in superposition.

The AE Method was introduced by Otto Strack.

A general purpose code, GFLOW, was developed by
Strack’s student Henk Haitjema, who also wrote a
textbook on the AE Method: Analytic Element Modeling
of Groundwater Flow, Academic Press, 1995.

Currently the method is limited to steady-state,

two-dimensional, horizontal flow.
Modelling Protocol
 What is a “model”?
 Any “device” that represents approximation
to field system
 Physical Models
 Mathematical Models

 Analytical

 Numerical
 Modelling Protocol
 Establish the Purpose of the Model
 Develop Conceptual Model of the System
 Select Governing Equations and Computer Code
 Model Design
 Calibration
 Calibration Sensitivity Analysis
 Model Verification
 Prediction
 Predictive Sensitivity Analysis
 Presentation of Modeling Design and Results
 Post Audit
 Model Redesign
Purpose - What questions do you want the
model to answer?

 Prediction; System Interpretation; Generic

Modeling
 What do you want to learn from the model?
 Is a modeling exercise the best way to
answer the question? Historical data?
 Can an analytical model provide the answer?
System Interpretation: Inverse Modeling: Sensitivity
Analysis
Generic: Used in a hypothetical sense, not necessarily
for a real site
Model “Overkill”?

 Is the vast labor of characterizing the system,

combined with the vast labor of analyzing it,
disproportionate to the benefits that follow?
ETHICS
 There may be a cheaper, more effective
approach
 Warn of limitations
Conceptual Model
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Albert
Einstein

 Pictorial representation of the groundwater

flow system
 Will set the dimensions of the model and
the design of the grid
 “Parsimony”….conceptual model has been
simplified as much as possible yet retains
enough complexity so that it adequately
reproduces system behavior.
Select Computer Code
 Select Computer Model
 Code Verification
 Comparison to Analytical Solutions; Other
Numerical Models
 Model Design
 Design of Grid, selecting time steps,
boundary and initial conditions, parameter
data set

Steady/Unsteady..1, 2, or 3-D;
…Heterogeneous/Isotropic…..Instantaneous/Continuous
 Calibration
 Show that Model can reproduce field-
measured heads and flow (concentrations if
contaminant transport)
 Results in parameter data set that best
represents field-measured conditions.
Calibration Sensitivity Analysis
 Uncertainty in Input Conditions
 Determine Effect of Uncertainty on
Calibrated Model
 Model Verification
 Use Model to Reproduce a Second Set of
Field Data

Prediction
 Desired Set of Conditions
 Sensitivity Analysis
 Effect of uncertainty in parameter values and
future stresses on the predicted solution
Presentation of Modelling Design
and Results
 Effective Communication of
Modeling Effort
 Graphs, Tables, Text etc.
Postaudit
 New field data collected to determine if
prediction was correct
 Site-specific data needed to validate
model for specific site application

Model Redesign
 Include new insights into system
behavior
NUMERICAL MODELING

DISCRETIZE

Write equations of GW Flow between each node

Darcy's Law
Conservation of Mass

Define Material Properties

Boundary Conditions
Initial Conditions
Stresses

At each node either H or Q is known, the other is unknown

n equations & n unknowns
solve simultaneously with matrix algebra

Result H at each known Q node

Q at each known H node

Calibrate Steady State

Transient

Validate

Sensitivity

Predictions
NUMERICAL MODELING
Model Design
 MODELs NEED

Geometry
Material Properties (K, S, T, Φe, R, etc.)
Boundary Conditions (Head, Flux, Concentration etc.)

Stress - changing boundary condition

 Model Design

• Conceptual Model
• Selection of Computer Code
• Model Geometry
• Grid
• Boundary array
• Model Parameters
• Boundary Conditions
• Initial Conditions
• Stresses
 Concept Development
• Developing a conceptual model is the initial
and most important part of every modelling
effort. It requires thorough understanding of
hydrogeology, hydrology and dynamics of
groundwater flow.
Conceptual Model

A descriptive representation
of a groundwater system that
incorporates an interpretation of the
geological & hydrological conditions.
Generally includes information about
the water budget. May include
information on water chemistry.
 Selection of Computer Code
• Which method will be used depends largely
on the type of problem and the knowledge of
the model design.
• Flow, solute, heat, density dependent etc.
• 1D, 2D, 3D
 Model Geometry
• Model geometry defines the size and the
shape of the model. It consists of model
boundaries, both external and internal, and
model grid.
 Boundaries
• Physical boundaries are well defined
geologic and hydrologic features that
permanently influence the pattern of
groundwater flow (faults, geologic units,
contact with surface water etc.)
 Boundaries
• Hydraulic boundaries are derived from the
groundwater flow net and therefore
“artificial” boundaries set by the model
designer. They can be no flow boundaries
represented by chosen stream lines, or
boundaries with known hydraulic head
represented by equipotential lines.
HYDRAULIC BOUNDARIES

A streamline (flowline) is also a

hydraulic boundary because by
definition, flow is ALWAYS
parallel to a streamflow. It can
also be said that flow NEVER
crosses a streamline; therefore it
is similar to an IMPERMEABLE
(no flow) boundary

BUT

Stress can change the flow

pattern and shift the position of
streamlines; therefore care must
be taken when using a
streamline as the outer boundary
of a model.
TYPES OF MODEL BOUNDARY

NO-FLOW BOUNDARY
Neither HEAD nor FLUX is
Specified. Can represent a
Physical boundary or a flow
Line (Groundwater Divide)

SPECIFIED HEAD OR
CONSTANT HEAD BOUNDARY
h = constant
q is determined by the model.
And may be +ve or –ve according
to the hydraulic gradient developed
TYPES OF MODEL BOUNDARY (cont’d)

SPECIFIED FLUX BOUNDARY

q = constant
h is determined by the model
(The common method of simulation
is to use one injection well for each
boundary cell)

HEAD DEPENDANT BOUNDARY

hb = constant
q = c (hb – hm)
and c = f (K,L) and is called
CONDUCTANCE
hm is determined by the model and
its interaction with hb
 Boundary Types
Specified Head/Concentration: a special case of constant head (ABC, EFG)

Constant Head /Concentration: could replace (ABC, EFG)

Specified Flux: could be recharge across (CD)

No Flow (Streamline): a special case of specified flux (HI)

Head Dependent Flux: could replace (ABC, EFG)

Free Surface: water-table, phreatic surface (CD)

Seepage Face: pressure = atmospheric at ground surface (DE)

Boundary conditions in Modflow
• Constant head boundary
• Head dependent flux
– River Package
– Drain Package
– General-head Boundary Package
• Known Flux
– Recharge
– Evapotranspiration
– Wells
– Stream
• No Flow boundaries
 Initial Conditions
• Values of the hydraulic head for each active
and constant-head cell in the model. They
must be higher than the elevation of the cell
bottom.
• For transient simulation, heads to resemble
closely actual heads (realistic).
• For steady state, only hydraulic heads in
constant head-cell must be realistic.
 Model Parameters
• Time
• Space (layer top and bottom)
• Hydrogeologic characteristics
(hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity,
storage parameters and effective porosity)
 Time
• Time parameters are specified when
modelling transient (time dependent)
conditions. They include time unit, length
and number of time steps.
• Length of stress periods is not relevant for
steady state simulations
 Grid
• In Finite Difference model, the grid is
formed by two sets of parallel lines that are
orthogonal. The blocks formed by these
lines are called cells. In the centre of each
cell is the node – the point at which the
model calculates hydraulic head. This type
of grid is called block-centered grid.
 Grid
• Grid mesh can be uniform or custom, a
uniform grid is better choice when
– Evenly distributed aquifer characteristics data
– The entire flow field is equally important
– Number of cells and size is not an issue
 Grid
• Grid mesh can be custom when
– There is less or no data for certain areas
– There is specific interest in one or more smaller
areas
• Grid orientation is not an issue in isotropic
aquifers. When the aquifer is anisotropic,
the model coordinate axes must be aligned
with the main axes of the hydraulic
conductivity.
• Regular vs irregular grid spacing

Irregular spacing may be used to obtain

detailed head distributions in selected areas
of the grid.

Finite difference equations that use irregular

grid spacing have a higher associated error
than FD equations that use regular grid spacing.
Considerations in selecting the size of
the grid spacing

Variability of aquifer characteristics (K,T,S)

Variability of hydraulic parameters (R, Q)

Curvature of the water table

Vertical change in head

Desired detail around sources and sinks (e.g., rivers)
MODEL GRIDS
 Grids
 It is generally agreed that from a practical
point-of-view the differences between grid
types are minor and unimportant.
 USGS MODFLOW employs a body-centred grid.
 Boundary array (cell type)
• Three types of cells
– Inactive cells through which no flow into or out
of the cells occurs during the entire time of
simulation.
– Active, or variable-head cells are free to vary in
time.
– Constant-head cell, model boundaries with
known constant head.
 Hydraulic conductivity and
transmissivity

• Hydraulic conductivity is the most critical

and sensitive modelling parameter.
• Realistic values of storage coefficient and
transmissivity, preferably from pumping test,
should be used.
 Effective porosity

• Required to calculate velocity, used mainly

in solute transport models
Calibracion and Validacion
 Calibracion del modelo: ( propiedades inciertas)
Cuyos valores son ajustados durante la calibracion del modelo

Identificar los parametros del acuifero y el rango

razonable de variacion

Los parametros tipicos son la conductividad hidraulica

y la intensidad de recarga .
En un problema Real, necesitamos establecer el criterio
de calibracion y definer los objetivos incluyendo el error
asociado .

Objetivos de Calibracion

Error
Valor de calibracion

0.80 m

20.24 m

Objetivos con
errores pequeños .
Objetivos con errores
grandes.
 Objetivos usados en usados
en Calibracion de Modelos
• La carga observada en un pozo de observacion,
es conocido como el objetivo .

• La carga simulada o calculada en el nodo es

comparada con la carga medida.

• Durante la calibracion de modelo, los valores de los

parametros son ajustados hasta que la carga calculada
se asemeje a la carga obsservada.

• El modelo de calibracion resuelve el Problema Inverso.

 Calibracion de flujos

Cuando la recarga (R) es un parametro de

calibracion, calibrating to fluxes can help in
estimating K and/or R.
En este ejemplo, la informacion de
flujo ayuda a calibrar K .

q = KI

H1
H2
En este ejemplo, la descarga
hayuda calibrar R.
 Comentarios sobre Calibration

• La calibracion no es unica .

• Una buena calibracion no asegura que el

modelo pueda realizar buenas
predicciones.
• Pueden los datos de campo ser insuficientes.

• MLos modeladores necesitamos mantener escepticismo

Saludable a cerca de nuestros resultados

• Necesidad de un analisis de Incertidumbre para acompaña

Los resultados de calibracion y las predicciones
 Incertidumbre en la Calibracion

Incertidumbre involucra :

 Objetivos (valores observados)

 Parametros

 Modelo Conceptual incluyendo condiciones de frontera

zonificacion, geometria etc.
 Ways to analyze uncertainty
in the calibration

Sensitivity analysis is used as an uncertainty

analysis after calibration.

Use an inverse model (automated calibration)

to quantify uncertainties and optimize the
calibration.
 Uncertainty in the Prediction

 Reflects uncertainty in the calibration.

 Involves uncertainty in how parameter values

(e.g., recharge) will vary in the future.
 Ways to quantify uncertainty
in the prediction

Sensitivity analysis

Stochastic simulation
How do we “validate” a model so that
we have confidence that it will make
accurate predictions?
 Modeling Chronology
1960’s Flow models are great!

1970’s Contaminant transport models are great!

1975 What about uncertainty of flow models?

1980s Contaminant transport models don’t work.
(because of failure to account for heterogeneity)

1990s Are models reliable?

“The objective of model validation is to
determine how well the mathematical
representation of the processes describes
the actual system behavior in terms of the
degree of correlation between model
calculations and actual measured data”.
 How to build confidence in a model

Calibration (history matching)

“Verification”
requires an independent set of field data

Post-Audit: requires waiting for prediction to occur

Models as interactive management tools

 KEEPING AN OPEN MIND

Consider all dimensions of the problem before coming

to a conclusion.

Considering all the stresses that might be imposed and

all the possible processes that might be involved in a
situation before reaching a conclusion.

KEEPING AN OPEN MIND is spending 95% of your

TIME DETERMINING WHAT YOU THINK IS HAPPENING
and only 5% of your TIME DEFENDING YOUR OPINION.

AVOID the common human TRAP of REVERSING

THOSE PERCENTAGES.
Groundwater Flow Models
Groundwater Flow Models

• The most widely used numerical groundwater flow model is

MODFLOW which is a three-dimensional model, originally
developed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
• It uses finite difference scheme for saturated zone.
• The advantages of MODFLOW include numerous facilities
for data preparation, easy exchange of data in standard
form, extended worldwide experience, continuous
development, availability of source code, and relatively low
price.
• However, surface runoff and unsaturated flow are not
included, hence in case of transient problems, MODFLOW
can not be applied if the flux at the groundwater table
depends on the calculated head and the function is not
known in advance.
 MODFLOW

 USGS code
 Finite Difference Model

• MODFLOW 88
• MODFLOW 96
• MODFLOW 2000
MODFLOW

(Three-Dimensional Finite-Difference Ground-Water Flow

Model)
• When properly applied, MODFLOW is the recognized
standard model.
• Ground-water flow within the aquifer is simulated in
MODFLOW using a block-centered finite-difference
approach.
• Layers can be simulated as confined, unconfined, or a
combination of both.
• Flows from external stresses such as flow to wells, areal
recharge, evapotranspiration, flow to drains, and flow
through riverbeds can also be simulated.
MT3D

(A Modular 3D Solute Transport Model)

• MT3D is a comprehensive three-dimensional numerical

model for simulating solute transport in complex
hydrogeologic settings.

• MT3D is linked with the USGS groundwater flow simulator,

MODFLOW, and is designed specifically to handle
advectively-dominated transport problems without the need
to construct refined models specifically for solute transport.
FEFLOW

(Finite Element Subsurface Flow System)

FEFLOW is a finite-element package for simulating 3D and 2D

fluid density-coupled flow, contaminant mass (salinity) and
heat transport in the subsurface.

HST3D

(3-D Heat and Solute Transport Model)

The Heat and Solute Transport Model HST3D simulates

ground-water flow and associated heat and solute transport in
three dimensions.
SEAWAT

(Three-Dimensional Variable-Density Ground-Water Flow)

• The SEAWAT program was developed to simulate three-

dimensional, variable- density, transient ground-water flow
in porous media.

• The source code for SEAWAT was developed by

combining MODFLOW and MT3D into a single program that
solves the coupled flow and solute-transport equations.
SUTRA

(2-D Saturated/Unsaturated Transport Model)

• SUTRA is a 2D groundwater saturated-unsaturated

transport model, a complete saltwater intrusion and energy
transport model.

• SUTRA employs a two-dimensional hybrid finite-element

and integrated finite-difference method to approximate the
governing equations that describe the two interdependent
processes.

• A 3-D version of SUTRA has also been released.

SWIM

(Soil water infiltration and movement model)

• SWIMv1 is a software package for simulating water

infiltration and movement in soils.
• SWIMv2 is a mechanistically-based model designed to
address soil water and solute balance issues.
• The model deals with a one-dimensional vertical soil
profile which may be vertically inhomogeneous but is
assumed to be horizontally uniform.
• It can be used to simulate runoff, infiltration,
redistribution, solute transport and redistribution of
solutes, plant uptake and transpiration, evaporation, deep
drainage and leaching.
VISUAL HELP

(Modeling Environment for Evaluating and Optimizing

Landfill Designs)

• Visual HELP is an advanced hydrological modeling

environment available for designing landfills, predicting
leachate mounding and evaluating potential leachate
contamination.

Visual MODFLOW

(Integrated Modeling Environment for MODFLOW and

MT3D)

• Visual MODFLOW provides professional 3D groundwater

flow and contaminant transport modeling using
MODFLOW and MT3D.
Groundwater Modelling Resources
Groundwater Modeling Resources
Kumar Links to Hydrology Resources
http://www.angelfire.com/nh/cpkumar/hydrology.html

USGS Water Resources Software Page

water.usgs.gov/software

Richard B. Winston’s Home Page

www.mindspring.com/~rbwinston/rbwinsto.htm

Geotech & Geoenviron Software Directory

www.ggsd.com

International Ground Water Modeling Center

www.mines.edu/igwmc
Ground Water Modelling Discussion Group

An email discussion group related to ground water modelling and

analysis. This group is a forum for the communication of all aspects
of ground water modelling including technical discussions;
announcement of new public domain and commercial softwares;
calls for abstracts and papers; conference and workshop
announcements; and summaries of research results, recent
publications, and case studies.

Group home page : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gwmodel/

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Subscribe : gwmodel-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Visual MODFLOW Users Group

Visual MODFLOW is a proven standard for professional 3D

groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling using
MODFLOW-2000, MODPATH, MT3DMS AND RT3D. Visual
MODFLOW seamlessly combines the standard Visual MODFLOW
package with Win PEST and the Visual MODFLOW 3D-Explorer to
give a complete and powerful graphical modeling environment.

This group aims to provide a forum for exchange of ideas and

experiences regarding use and application of Visual MODFLOW
software.

Group home page : http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/visual-modflow/

Post message : visual-modflow@yahoogroups.co.in
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 THANKS

HAPPY MODELLING