Development and parameterisation of a complex hydrogeological model based on high-resolution direct-push data

Ongoing developments in geological and hydrogeological investigation techniques, especially direct-push methods, have led to an increase in the quality, density and spatial resolution of data available from such investigations. This has created new challenges in the development of numerical models in terms of accurately and efficiently translating detailed and complex conceptual models into effective numerical models. Suitable geometrical and numerical modelling tools are essential in order to meet these challenges. This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional hydrogeological flow model for a contaminated site near Berlin, Germany, based on high-resolution geological data obtained principally using direct-push methods. The available data were first interpreted to construct a detailed GIS-based geological model, which formed the basis of the conceptual site model. The conceptual model was then translated into a geometrical model, which was used to create a finite element numerical model. An innovative geometry object-based approach enabled the complex structural details of the conceptual model to be accurately reproduced in the numerical model domain. The resulting three-dimensional steady-state unconfined flow model was successfully calibrated using external automated calibration software, whereby parameter values for groundwater recharge and hydraulic conductivity were determined.     

Effects of different boundary conditions on the simulation of groundwater flow in a multi-layered coastal aquifer system (Taranto Gulf,southern Italy)

The evaluation of the accuracy or reasonableness of numerical models of groundwater flow is a complex task, due to the uncertainties in hydrodynamic properties and boundary conditions and the scarcity of good-quality field data. To assess model reliability, different calibration techniques are joined to evaluate the effects of different kinds of boundary conditions on the groundwater flow in a coastal multi-layered aquifer in southern Italy. In particular, both direct and indirect approaches for inverse modeling were joined through the calibration of one of the most uncertain parameters, namely the hydraulic conductivity of the karst deep hydrostratigraphic unit. The methodology proposed here, and applied to a real case study, confirmed that the selection of boundary conditions is among the most critical and difficult aspects of the characterization of a groundwater system for conceptual analysis or numerical simulation. The practical tests conducted in this study show that incorrect specification of boundary conditions prevents an acceptable match between the model response to the hydraulic stresses and the behavior of the natural system. Such effects have a negative impact on the applicability of numerical modeling to simulate groundwater dynamics in complex hydrogeological situations. This is particularly important for management of the aquifer system investigated in this work, which represents the only available freshwater resource of the study area, and is threatened by overexploitation and saltwater intrusion.     

Geographical information system approach for environmental management in coastal area (Hardelot-Plage,France)

The use of geographic information system (GIS) minimizes the effort and improves the efficiency of numerical models. The GIS provides a platform for high capacity collection, management, manipulation, analysis, modeling and display of spatial data. The conceptual model is created using GIS objects including points, arcs and polygons so that it can accurately represent real world condition. According to the research problem, the geographical model is based on Hypergraph Based Data Structure method, and a conceptual data model has been created from which a physical data model was elaborated in ArcGIS9.3 platform. The groundwater modeling system (GMS) provides a powerful tool for hydrodynamics modeling and it is able to solve complex problems such as the groundwater flow and seawater intrusion. The sand-dune system of Hardelot-Plage (North of France) suffers from a lack of well-developed foredune. This problem is linked to the almost constant saturation of beach sand which is the potential source of dune nourishment. In the south of Hardelot, the coastline is slowly, but constantly retreating. To remedy this situation, a coupling between a GIS and GMS was adopted, in order to find the possible scenarios which could lower the piezometric surface in the concerned area and allow dune nourishment again. The GMS used supports the Modflow-2000 code. A direct approach to designing Modflow finite difference model is tedious and less intuitive, specifically for complex boundary and initial conditions. Therefore, a Modflow model can be developed either using a grid or conceptual model approach. The preparation of input data modeling is tedious and takes a long time. The model created in GMS was calibrated against the historical and observed water level data for 1995–2006. Then a hydrodispersive model (MT3d code in GMS) was launched for evaluating sea-water intrusion. The model was run to generate groundwater and salt concentration scenario during pumping tests.     

高放废物处置库北山预选区区域水文地质概念模型

地下水流数值模拟是高放废物处置库选址中水文地质评价的重要内容.水文地质概念模型是地下水流数值模拟的基础和前提.在北山预选区水文地质分析基础上,利用DEM数据生成了研究区地表水系,据此确定了模拟范围;借助GMS软件,建立了研究区三维水文地质结构模型;再通过边界条件、流场特征、地下水均衡项和水文地质参数的分析和描述,建立了北山地区水文地质概念模型.     

Modeling water resources of a highly irrigated alluvial plain (Italy): calibrating soil and groundwater models

Modern and effective water management in large alluvial plains that have intensive agricultural activity requires the integrated modeling of soil and groundwater. The models should be complex enough to properly simulate several, often non-linear, processes, but simple enough to be effectively calibrated with the available data. An operative, practical approach to calibration is proposed, based on three main aspects. First, the coupling of two models built on well-validated algorithms, to simulate (1) the irrigation system and the soil water balance in the unsaturated zone and (2) the groundwater flow. Second, the solution of the inverse problem of groundwater hydrology with the comparison model method to calibrate the model. Third, the use of appropriate criteria and cross-checks (comparison of the calibration results and of the model outputs with hydraulic and hydrogeological data) to choose the final parameter sets that warrant the physical coherence of the model. The approach has been tested by application to a large and intensively irrigated alluvial basin in northern Italy.     

Highly parameterized model calibration with cloud computing: an example of regional flow model calibration in northeast Alberta,Canada

Expanding groundwater datasets collected by automated sensors, and improved groundwater databases, have caused a rapid increase in calibration data available for groundwater modeling projects. Improved methods of subsurface characterization have increased the need for model complexity to represent geological and hydrogeological interpretations. The larger calibration datasets and the need for meaningful predictive uncertainty analysis have both increased the degree of parameterization necessary during model calibration. Due to these competing demands, modern groundwater modeling efforts require a massive degree of parallelization in order to remain computationally tractable. A methodology for the calibration of highly parameterized, computationally expensive models using the Amazon EC2 cloud computing service is presented. The calibration of a regional-scale model of groundwater flow in Alberta, Canada, is provided as an example. The model covers a 30,865-km² domain and includes 28 hydrostratigraphic units. Aquifer properties were calibrated to more than 1,500 static hydraulic head measurements and 10 years of measurements during industrial groundwater use. Three regionally extensive aquifers were parameterized (with spatially variable hydraulic conductivity fields), as was the aerial recharge boundary condition, leading to 450 adjustable parameters in total. The PEST-based model calibration was parallelized on up to 250 computing nodes located on Amazon’s EC2 servers.     

Numerical groundwater-flow modeling to evaluate potential effects of pumping and recharge: implications for sustainable groundwater management in the Mahanadi delta region,India

Process-based groundwater models are useful to understand complex aquifer systems and make predictions about their response to hydrological changes. A conceptual model for evaluating responses to environmental changes is presented, considering the hydrogeologic framework, flow processes, aquifer hydraulic properties, boundary conditions, and sources and sinks of the groundwater system. Based on this conceptual model, a quasi-three-dimensional transient groundwater flow model was designed using MODFLOW to simulate the groundwater system of Mahanadi River delta, eastern India. The model was constructed in the context of an upper unconfined aquifer and lower confined aquifer, separated by an aquitard. Hydraulic heads of 13 shallow wells and 11 deep wells were used to calibrate transient groundwater conditions during 1997–2006, followed by validation (2007–2011). The aquifer and aquitard hydraulic properties were obtained by pumping tests and were calibrated along with the rainfall recharge. The statistical and graphical performance indicators suggested a reasonably good simulation of groundwater flow over the study area. Sensitivity analysis revealed that groundwater level is most sensitive to the hydraulic conductivities of both the aquifers, followed by vertical hydraulic conductivity of the confining layer. The calibrated model was then employed to explore groundwater-flow dynamics in response to changes in pumping and recharge conditions. The simulation results indicate that pumping has a substantial effect on the confined aquifer flow regime as compared to the unconfined aquifer. The results and insights from this study have important implications for other regional groundwater modeling studies, especially in multi-layered aquifer systems.     

Assignment of groundwater level at the wastewater collecting pipe for a landfill groundwater simulation: utilization of the two-dimensional saturated–unsaturated groundwater numerical model

In order to understand the effects of a landfill operation on groundwater flow behavior, a 2D horizontal groundwater simulation model was carried out. The model saved the memory of computer and time consumption, comparing it with the 3D groundwater flow model. However, the greatest difficulty is the assignment of the collecting pipe boundary at the study site. Therefore, a 2D vertical model was applied to calculate the change of the groundwater table above the collecting pipe. This paper focuses on examining the validation of the assignment of the collecting pipe boundary by applying the results of the 2D vertical model. The 2D horizontal model was coupled with the recharge model to solve the partial differential equation of groundwater flow. The finite difference method and iterative successive over relaxation were applied. The drainage volume of leachate collection was summed up in the whole landfill site and compared with the average volume of treated wastewater. The study demonstrated that the results of the 2D vertical model validated and can be applied to the 2D horizontal groundwater flow simulation.     

Coupled hydrogeological and reactive transport modelling of the Simpevarp area (Sweden)

The Simpevarp area is one of the alternative sites being considered for the deep geological disposal of high level radioactive waste in Sweden. In this paper, a coupled regional groundwater flow and reactive solute transport model of the Simpevarp area is presented that integrates current hydrogeological and hydrochemical data of the area. The model simulates the current hydrochemical pattern of the groundwater system in the area. To that aim, a conceptual hydrochemical model was developed in order to represent the dominant chemical processes. Groundwater flow conditions were reproduced by taking into account fluid-density-dependent groundwater flow and regional hydrogeologic boundary conditions. Reactive solute transport calculations were performed on the basis of the velocity field so obtained. The model was calibrated and sensitivity analyses were carried out in order to investigate the effects of heterogeneities of hydraulic conductivity in the subsurface medium. Results provided by the reactive transport model are in good agreement with much of the measured hydrochemical data. This paper emphasizes the appropriateness of the use of reactive solute transport models when water-rock interaction reactions are involved, and demonstrates what powerful tools they are for the interpretation of hydrogeological and hydrochemical data from site geological repository characterization programs, by providing a qualitative framework for data analysis and testing of conceptual assumptions in a process-oriented approach.     

The importance of alternative conceptual models for simulation of concentrations in a multi-aquifer system

Four different conceptual models based on alternative geological interpretations were formulated for a shallow 600 km² aquifer system in Denmark comprising Quaternary deposits. Each of the four models was calibrated against groundwater heads and discharge measurements through inverse modeling. Subsequently, the transport capabilities of the four models were compared to 32 concentration measurements of environmental tracers (tritium ³H, helium-3 ³He, chlorofluorocarbons CFC11, CFC12 and CFC113). The flow simulations showed only minor differences in spatial head distribution associated with alternative conceptualizations despite the complexity of the aquifer system and the significant differences in geological interpretations. The models, however, showed major differences in predictions of the age of the groundwater and environmental tracer concentrations, differences that are seen as an effect of model structure uncertainty, because no additional calibrations to these data were performed. A single conceptualization may be adequate in characterizing the natural behavior of a field system after calibration, because the calibration procedure is able to compensate for errors in the data or in the conceptual model through biased parameter values. However, once extrapolation beyond the calibration base is attempted, different conceptual model formulations result in significantly different results. Consequently, it is crucial to take model conceptual uncertainty into account when making predictions beyond the calibration base.     

基于地下水数值模拟的地球物理反演解释优化方法研究

地球物理的多解性无处不在,面对这种情况我们往往结合地质资料来对反演结果进行合理的地质解释。然而在偏远地区地质、深部钻探资料非常缺乏,野外已有的井孔也往往难以获取岩性编录资料。当这些资料比较少时,反演结果依然存在难以解释或者不确定等问题。是否可以借助于地下水位与水质信息包含的地质体水力特性,来辅助地球物理反演过程？基于此思路探索了基于地下水模型的地球物理反演解释优化方法:以大地电磁法为实现手段,通过研究已知理想地质模型和多个基于反演结果解释得到的地质模型,建立地下水数值模型,对比地下水水流和溶质运移数值模拟结果,最终确定相对最佳地质模型。并通过敏感性分析验证了运用地下水数值模拟搜索相对最佳地质模型的可行性。     

鄂尔多斯白垩系地下水盆地水文地质概念模型

水文地质概念模型是地下水模拟与水资源评价的基础。为了构建地下水数值模拟模型,以鄂尔多斯白垩系地下水盆地为研究对象,以丰富翔实的勘查资料为依据,从白垩系地下水系统边界条件、水文地质结构、水流系统、水文地质参数、源汇项等方面进行概化,联合采用ArcGIS、RS、GMS同位素、基流分割、地质统计学、随机模拟等技术方法,建立了一组水文地质概念模型及其相应的空间离散表达,并讨论了地下水模拟面临的问题与发展趋势。     

GIS based groundwater modeling study to assess the effect of artificial recharge: A case study from Kodaganar river basin,Dindigul district,Tamil Nadu

Groundwater is a dynamic and replenishable natural resource. The numerical modeling techniques serve as a tool to assess the effect of artificial recharge from the water conservation structures and its response with the aquifers under different recharge conditions. The objective of the present study is to identify the suitable sites for artificial recharge structures to augment groundwater resources and assess its performance through the integrated approach of Geographic Information System (GIS) and numerical groundwater modeling techniques using MODFLOW software for the watershed located in the Kodaganar river basin, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. Thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, soil, runoff, land use and slope were integrated to prepare the groundwater prospect and recharge site map. These potential zones were categorized as good (23%), moderate (54%), and poor (23%) zones with respect to the assigned weightage of different thematic layers. The major artificial recharge structures like percolation ponds and check dams were recommended based on the drainage morphology in the watershed. Finally, a threelayer groundwater flow model was developed. The model was calibrated in two stages, which involved steady and transient state condition. The transient calibration was carried out for the time period from January 1989 to December 2008. The groundwater model was validated after model calibration. The prediction scenario was carried out after the transient calibration for the time period of year up to 2013. The results show that there is 15 to 38% increase in groundwater quantity due to artificial recharge. The present study is useful to assess the effect of artificial recharge from the proposed artificial structures by integrating GIS and groundwater model together to arrive at reasonable results.     

裂隙岩体中非饱和渗流与运移的概念模型及数值模拟

探讨了裂隙岩体中非饱和地下水渗流与溶质运移的几种概念模型的构造及数值模拟问题 ,如裂隙网络模型、连续体模型、等效连续体模型、双孔隙度 (单渗透率 )模型、双渗透率模型、多组份连续体模型等。在裂隙岩体中 ,非饱和地下水的渗流可能只局限于岩体中的岩石组份、或裂隙网络 ,也可能在裂隙和岩石中同时发生 ;对前一种情形只需考虑单一连续体中的流动 ,而后一种情况则需要包括地下水在岩石和裂隙之间的交换。岩体中的裂隙网络往往是溶质运移的主要通道 ;但当溶质在裂隙与岩石之间的渗透和扩散是重要的运移机制时 ,就需要考虑岩石与裂隙界面处的溶质交换。为了模拟岩石与裂隙之间地下水和溶质的交换 ,就需要了解岩石与裂隙之间相互作用的模式和范围 ,使得这类问题的概念模型较单一连续体模型多了一层不确定性、其数值模拟也变得更为困难。因为在实际问题中不易、甚至根本不能判别非饱和渗流的实际形态 ,具体采用哪种模型主要取决于分析的目的和对现场数据的掌握程度。不论哪种模型都会受到模型及参数不确定性的影响 ,因此必须考虑与其他辅助模型的比较.     

Influence of numerical precision on the calibration of AEM-based groundwater flow models

Groundwater modelers have embraced the use of automated calibration tools based on classical nonlinear regression techniques. While clearly an improvement over trial-and-error calibration, it is not clear to what extent these popular inverse modeling tools yield accurate parameter sets for groundwater flow models. The impact of model configuration and precision upon automated parameter estimation is also unclear. An extensive set of numerical experiments was performed to explore the influence of model configuration on the calibration of a regional groundwater flow model developed using the analytic element method. The results provided insight into the manner in which the specified level of model precision and the location of observation points influence the results of inverse modeling based on nonlinear regression. While the importance of these issues is application-specific, obtaining an accurate model calibration for the case study required both a careful placement of test observations and a greater-than-anticipated level of model precision. The required level of model precision for calibration was more than necessary to produce an acceptable flow solution.     

The impact of tunneling construction on the hydrogeological environment of “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project” in Taiwan

Groundwater flow and the associated surface water flow are potential negative factors on underground tunnels. Early detection of environmental impacts on water resources is of significant importance to planning, design and construction of tunnel projects, as early detection can minimize accidents and project delays during construction. The groundwater modeling software package Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), which supports the groundwater numerical codes MODFLOW and FEMWATER, was utilized to determine the impact of tunneling excavation on the hydrogeological environment in a regional area around the tunnel and a local hot springs area, at the “Tseng-Wen Reservoir Transbasin Diversion Project”, in Taiwan. A hydrogeological conceptual model was first developed to simplify structures related to the site topography, geology and geological structure. The MODFLOW code was then applied to simulate groundwater flow pattern for the hydrogeological conceptual model in the tunnel area. The automated parameter estimation method was applied to calibrate groundwater level fluctuation and hydrogeological parameters in the region. Calibration of the model demonstrated that errors between simulated and monitored results are smaller than allowable errors. The study also observed that tunneling excavation caused groundwater to flow toward the tunnel. No obvious changes in the groundwater flow field due to tunnel construction were observed far away in the surrounding regions. Furthermore, the FEMWATER code for solving 3-D groundwater flow problems, in which hydrogeological characteristics are integrated into a geographic information system (GIS), is applied to evaluate the impact of tunnel construction on an adjacent hot spring. Simulation results indicated that the groundwater drawdown rate is less than the groundwater recharge rate, and the change to the groundwater table after tunnel construction was insignificant for the hot spring area. Finally, the groundwater flow obtained via the GMS indicated that the hydrogeological conceptual model can estimate the possible quantity of tunnel inflow and the impact of tunnel construction on the regional and local groundwater resources regime of the transbasin diversion project.     

Hydrological modeling in the karst area,Rižana spring catchment,Slovenia

Karst aquifers are known for their heterogeneity and irregular complex flow patterns which make them more difficult to model and demand specific modeling approaches. This paper presents one such approach which is based on a conceptual model. The model was applied in a karst area of the catchment of Rižana spring (200 km2). It is based on the MIKE SHE code and incorporates the main hydrological processes and geological features of the karst aquifer (diffuse and concentrated infiltration, allogenic recharge, quick and slow groundwater flow, shifting groundwater divides and groundwater outflow from the catchment area). Modeling of evapotranspiration and flow in the upper part of the unsaturated zone is more detailed. For the modeling of groundwater flow in the karst aquifer, a conceptual model was applied which uses drainage function for the simulation of groundwater flow through large conduits (karst channels and large fissures). The model was calibrated and validated against the observed Rižana spring discharge which represents a measured response of the aquifer. The results of validation show that the model is able to adequately simulate temporal evolution of the spring discharge, measured by Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (0.82) as well as overall water balance.     

Modeling hydrological responses of karst spring to storm events: example of the Shuifang spring (Jinfo Mt., Chongqing,China)

Reproduction of hydrographs at karst springs has been an approach of understanding the karst aquifer, which normally acts as drains for the groundwater flow. However, its numerical modeling is difficult since factors for the internal geometry and connectedness are unknown and hard to quantify. Hydrographs of the karst aquifer with well-developed conduits in Shuifang spring catchment were obtained from the automatic gauging station at the spring orifice. Data as to the conduit system were also obtained based on results and analyses of tracer tests. With these data, the hydrological responses of Shuifang spring to storm events were simulated by storm water management model (SWMM) developed by USA EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies are used to compare the computed flow to the observed, which are 0.95 and 0.92 for calibration and validation. SWMM was verified and applicable in karst conduit drainage system. The model illustrated correctly quick recharge through conduits and slow and low inflow from the fissured aquifer matrix. The SCS-CN (soil conservation service-curve number) infiltration method was used for computation of losses and runoff. Field tests indicated that permeability was extremely high but different in karst area, which was less sensitive to the computed runoff when exceeded the common value provided by SWMM. Therefore, an improved quantitative infiltration model for karst area will make SWMM possible to be a useful tool for assessing and reproducing spring hydrographs.     

Modeling of an MTBE plume at Pascoag, Rhode Island

A numerical groundwater flow and mass transport model was developed to predict the extent of impact from methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) release on a down-gradient drinking water well field. An MTBE incident in Pascoag, Rhode Island, was used as a case study and the plume’s past and future development was simulated using scenario analysis. The numerical code used was GeoSys/Rockflow, which permits a coupled flow and transport simulation as one object, thus alleviating the need for simulating the MTBE fate with separate flow and transport codes. The numerical model was built on available hydrogeological and chemical data as well as on GIS information of the site. By comparing the simulated results with observed field data, it was found that the model could provide reliable results even when the simulated aquifer was simplified to a two-dimensional flow and transport domain. Finally, the calibrated model was used for exploring a location that may be suitable for a new well field. Despite the model limitations associated with uncertainties of data and simplifying assumptions, numerical modeling of this MTBE contaminated site proved a useful tool and provided guidance for future municipal well field operation strategies and aquifer remediation alternatives.     

Groundwater modeling of the Silver Bell Mountains, Arizona, USA

This study examines the groundwater characteristics in the Silver Bell Mountains, Arizona, USA, using a numerical model. Groundwater modeling is developed to describe the flow pattern in the study area and subsequently explores the possible interaction with regional porphyry copper deposits. A conceptual model is developed for the study area and regional hydrogeological conditions are simulated using the finite-difference groundwater flow model, MODFLOW-2005. The model results show that groundwater flow in the Silver Bell Mountains is strongly influenced by topography and its velocity varies with depth. In addition, the numerical model supports the idea of a continuous sustained interaction between groundwater flow and porphyry copper deposits in the Silver Bell Mountains. This interaction may result in continuing leaching of trace elements from the ore deposit, an important implication for continuing supergene alteration and enrichment of the porphyry copper deposit.