The National Ground Water Assn. (NGWA) is offering, “The New MODFLOW Course: Theory and Hands-on Applications,” Oct. 5 to 8 in Princeton, N.J.
This four-day course presents the theory behind MODFLOW-2005 and its related programs MODPATH, ZoneBudget, MT3D and RT3D; and illustrates the practical development of three-dimensional groundwater 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 two-and-a-half days of computer laboratory exercises to illustrate the attributes and usefulness of MODFLOW-2005 using Visual MODFLOW Premium. WinPEST is also used to perform automated parameter estimation to evaluate the quality of model calibration.
This course goes beyond introductory topics and provides advice on how to choose appropriate parameter distributions and model boundaries to develop defensible models of the groundwater system. Participants will gain a more complete understanding of the integration of GIS and Visual MODFLOW for the development of groundwater models and for the presentation of model results.
Groundwater resource applications that are covered include model calibration using groundwater heads and flows, comparison of MODFLOW solvers, new well development and capture zone delineation. Contaminant transport topics include transport model development, model calibration to contaminant concentrations, source area design, choice of appropriate concentration boundary conditions, and comparison of transport solvers and three-dimensional visualization of flow and transport results.
In this course, participants will learn how to use:
• Visual MODFLOW for their three-dimensional groundwater flow and contaminant transport projects;
• Three-dimensional numerical models with proper grid designs, parameterization, boundary conditions and site hydrogeologic conceptualization;
• Modeling results to observe field data (heads, flows and concentrations);
• MODPATH to model three-dimensional particle tracking for capture zone delineation;
• ZoneBudget to assess sub-regional water budgets within the model domain;
• MT3D to model the natural attenuation of contaminants; and
• WinPEST to improve model calibration and assess uncertainty.
This course is appropriate for novice and experienced groundwater 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 groundwater flow is required.
