Overview

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/corequisite: EASC 304 (or an equivalent course from another university)

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: MT3D
III.  1-D Unsaturated Flow: WHI UnSat Suite, MIKE SHE
IV.   3-D Saturated-Unsaturated Density Dependent Flow and Transport - SEAWAT

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.

Prerequisite: EASC 304 or equivalent

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

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.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: