Spring 2022 - EASC 613 G100

Groundwater Modelling (3)

Class Number: 4492

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Diana Allen
    dallen@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3967
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7239

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to groundwater modelling providing the relevant theory and practical experience to develop and test conceptual models, to recognize data requirements, and to identify the limitations of numerical models. State-of-the-art groundwater modelling software will be used. An emphasis is placed on modelling flow in the saturated zone, but unsaturated zone hydrology, solute transport, and density dependent flow are also covered.

COURSE DETAILS:

Prerequisite: EASC 304 or equivalent

General
:
This is an introductory course in groundwater modelling. The course will provide the student with the relevant theory and practical experience to develop and test conceptual models, recognize data requirements, and identify the limitations of numerical models. Assignments and a term project will be completed using state-of-the-art groundwater modelling software. An emphasis will be placed on modelling flow in the saturated zone, but unsaturated zone hydrology, solute transport, and density dependent flow are also covered.

Course Topics:

  1. Modeling Fundamentals
  2. Conceptual Hydrogeological Model Development
  3. Designing the Numerical Model
  4. Model Calibration, Forecasting and Uncertainty Analysis, Model Documentation
  5. Advanced Topics – Particle Tracking, Solute Transport, Flow in the Unsaturated Zone, Fracture Flow, Heat Transport, Multi-Phase Flow, Density Dependent Flow

The following computer codes will be used or demonstrated:

   I.    3-D Flow and Particle Tracking : Visual MODFLOW
   II.  3-D Solute Transport: MT3DMS
   III. 1-D Unsaturated Flow: WHI UnSat Suite, MIKE SHE
   IV.  3-D Saturated-Unsaturated Density Dependent Flow and Transport - SEAWAT

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Knowledge Development and Application: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental mathematical underpinnings of numerical modeling in a hydrogeological context. Apply knowledge to develop and test conceptual hydrogeological models using a numerical modeling approach, including selecting appropriate model boundary conditions and model parameters based on hydrogeological data, and approaches for model calibration and uncertainty assessment.

Analytical Skills: Employ advanced skills (numerical modeling using state of the art commercial groundwater modeling software) for hydrogeological problem solving. Apply skills in data management, analysis (calculation, graphing) and evaluation of data and model uncertainty.

Communication Skills: Write a comprehensive modeling report to fully document the development of a conceptual and numerical groundwater model, model calibration and sensitivity analysis, and model application to a problem. 

Course Organization:

One 2-hour lecture and a 3-hour lab. Weekly assignments will be distributed during lab time. A modeling term project that integrates the various skills developed through the assignments will be distributed mid-semester.

Grading

  • Assignments 35%
  • Modelling Project 50%
  • Take Home Final Exam 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Anderson, M.P., Woessner, W.W., and Hunt, R.J. 2015. Applied Groundwater Modeling: Simulation of Flow and Advective Transport, 2nd Edition, Academic Press, 564 pp.
ISBN: 9780120581030

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.