Theory and hands on applications using industry recognized visualization software to aid in the analysis of groundwater data.
This is not a free course. To register for this course, please click here
This 4-day course was designed to present the theory behind MODFLOW-2000 and its related programs (MODPATH, ZoneBudget, MT3D/RT3D and SEAWAT), and to illustrate the practical development of three-dimensional ground water flow and transport models using Visual MODFLOW. The course introduces the modeling process including conceptual model development, numerical model implementation, model calibration and model predictions. It alternates between lectures and laboratory exercises to illustrate the attributes and usefulness of MODFLOW-2000 using Visual MODFLOW Premium. We also use WinPEST to perform automated parameter estimation to evaluate the quality of model calibration. This is a hands-on course. Attendees will spend 2½ days of the 4-day course using the computer to complete laboratory exercises.
The course goes beyond introductory topics and provides advice on how to choose appropriate parameter distributions and model boundaries to develop defensible models of the ground water system. Attendees will gain a more complete understanding of the integration of GIS and Visual MODFLOW for the development of ground water models and for the presentation of model results. Ground water resource applications that are covered include model calibration using ground water heads and flows, new well development, capture zone delineation, well interference assessment, well optimization and stream impact investigations. Contaminant transport topics include transport model development, model calibration to contaminant concentrations, source area design, choice of appropriate concentration boundary conditions, comparing transport solvers, saltwater intrusion modeling and 3-dimensional visualization of flow and transport results.
Course Topics
Conceptual Model Development and Numerical Model Implementation
The first step in the modeling process is the development of a hydrogeologic conceptualization of the ground water flow system. A discussion of GIS data management techniques is presented to illustrate the two-dimensional and three-dimensional representation of the data necessary for developing a numerical ground water model. This data is then interpreted so that it can be used within Visual MODFLOW for numerical model development. Finally, the data are imported and interpreted within Visual MODFLOW to develop model parameter distributions and boundary conditions. Techniques are also presented to show how Visual MODFLOW exports model information to GIS, so that it can be incorporated in other hydrogeologic analysis.
Ground Water Flow Model Calibration
The theory and hands-on application of manual and automated parameter estimation are discussed to give attendees a better appreciation for the model calibration process. WinPEST is used to better understand the quality of the developed numerical model, and to assess the uncertainty in model input parameters and its impact on model prediction. Hands-on exercises are presented to show the benefits of calibration and verification of both ground water flow and contaminant transport field observations.
Fundamentals of Natural Attenuation and Contaminant Transport
Natural attenuation analyses are based on the principles of contaminant transport, which include a variety of mechanisms such as dispersion, biodegradation, sorption and chemical transformations. Instructors will provide an overview of these mechanisms and the parameters that are necessary to evaluate natural attenuation and to model the evolution of contaminant plumes within the ground water flow regime. Several hands-on exercises will show the implementation of different transport boundaries to illustrate the impact of predicting contaminant distribution within the model domain, and the effects of parameter uncertainty on predicted concentrations.
Assistance in Solving Problems
The primary focus of this course is to help novice users learn how to develop ground water modeling solutions, and more experienced modelers develop a better understanding of the use of computer modeling as a tool for solving ground water flow and contamination problems. The course is structured to show the use of state-of-the-art software to develop technical solutions for common problems in hydrogeology, contaminant transport and remediation.
Problem Solving Exercises
The laboratory exercises that are completed as part of the coursework are formatted to lead attendees through the development, calibration and prediction phases of a standard ground water modeling project. New labs have been added to show how MODFLOW can be used to model a wide variety of common consulting problems in hydrogeologic analysis.
Who Should Attend
The MODFLOW course has been designed to benefit both novice and experienced ground water modeling professionals. The complete range of topics covered will provide the novice modeler with the knowledge base required for starting a project, while the advanced topics covered will provide experienced professionals with insight into better modeling practices. A background of basic knowledge of the theory and concepts of ground water flow is required. Advanced topics will be covered in the course.
Course Software
Visual MODFLOW Premium (includes Visual MODFLOW, WinPEST, and Visual MODFLOW 3D-Explorer) will be provided for use at the course. This software package is not included in the public domain and cannot be copied or distributed free of charge. All data/graphics files used for the course exercises will be made available to the students on a CD. Purchase of Visual MODFLOW is not included in the course fee but will be available at a discount upon completion of the course. Technical and pricing questions about Visual MODFLOW Premium should be directed to Schlumberger Water Services at (519) 746 1798.
Course Objectives and Benefits
Apply Visual MODFLOW Premium to 3D groundwater flow and contaminant transport projects
Use MODFLOW-2005 to develop several groundwater flow models as part of hands-on laboratory exercises
Calibrate the groundwater flow and transport models to observed field data
Use MODPATH particle tracking features to determine preferential flow paths and source area impacts, and to delineate capture zones for pumping wells
Use ZoneBudget to assess sub-regional water budgets within the groundwater models
Simulate 3D contaminant transport using MT3D and RT3D
Use WinPEST to improve model calibration and to understand model uncertainty
Day 1
Registration: Course Registration and Introductory Remarks
Lecture: Introduction to Groundwater Modeling
Exercise: Intro2: an Introduction to Visual MODFLOW
Lunch
Lecture: How to Build a Model
Exercise: Intro2: an Introduction to Visual MODFLOW
Lecture: Using GIS to Develop Conceptual Models
Exercise: 3DCap: Capture Zone Modeling
Day 2
Lecture: Principles of USGS MODFLOW
Lecture: Wellhead Protection
Exercise: 3DCap: Capture Zone Modeling
Lunch
Exercise: Mounding: Spray Irrigation Modeling
Lecture: Principles of MODPATH and ZoneBudget
Exercise: ChemWest: The Flow Model
Day 3
Lecture: Principles of Contaminant Transport Modeling
Exercise: ChemWest: The Transport Model (MT3D)
Lunch
Exercise: ChemWest: The Transport Model (MT3D)
Lecture: Principles of SEAWAT
Exercise: Drumco: Designing a Remediation System
Day 4
Demo: Introduction to Model Calibration using WinPEST
Lecture: Fundamentals of Model Calibration
Exercise: Valley: Calibrating a Transient Flow Model
Lunch:
Lecture: Interpreting Calibration Results
Break: Course Evaluations
Exercise: Freyberg: Calibrating a Groundwater Flow Model
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