Course Description
The groundwater modeling training course by Aquaveo is designed as a hands-on, application oriented training course. The course will provide the attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to solve groundwater modeling problems quickly and efficiently. The course begins with a review of groundwater modeling concepts and then attendees immediately begin building groundwater models. A series of lectures and instructor led exercises will be presented on using GMS with MODFLOW, PEST, MODPATH, MT3DMS, borehole data, and GIS data. Attendees will learn how to generate numerical models from high-level conceputal models constructed with GIS tools.
Course Outline - 4 Days
- Benefit from hands on instruction throughout the course.
- Create conceptual models using GIS objects.
- Integrate GIS data into groundwater models.
- Perform flow modeling with MODFLOW.
- Learn to calibrate groundwater models using PEST.
- Analyze simple transport problems with MODPATH.
- Learn to model transport with MT3DMS.
- Create stratigraphy models from borehole and other subsurface data.
- Learn how to generate professional output of modeling projects.
Course Agenda
| Day 1 AM |
Groundwater Modeling Concepts
Conceptual Model Development
Selecting Boundary Conditions
2D vs. 3D
Steady State vs. Transient
Parsimony
Code Selection
Model Calibration
Prediction
Getting Started on a Modeling Project
Setting up a coordinate system
Selecting Units
Defining a base map
Importing images
Importing CAD drawings
Constructing a conceptual model
Conceptual model objects
Coverages
Feature objects
Analytic Element Models – MODAEM
Introduction to the analytic element method
Benefits/limitations of AE modeling
Setting up a MODAEM model
Particle tracking with MODAEM |
| Day 1 PM |
MODFLOW - Part I
Overview
MF2K vs. MF96
Basic, BCF-LPF-HUF, Recharge, Well, Drain, Solver Packages
Grid-based pre-processing
Model Checker
Launching MODFLOW
Post-processing
MODFLOW - Part II
River
Stream-Aquifer Interaction
General Head
Changing Head Boundary
Horizontal Flow Barrier |
| Day 2 AM |
MODFLOW Conceptual Model Approach
Strategies
MODFLOW Coverage Setup
2D Geostatistics
2D Scatter point module
Text Import Wizard
Interpolation methods
MODFLOW – Interpolating Layer Elevations
Interpolation from scatter points |
| Day 2 PM |
Site Characterization
Borehole data
User-defined cross-sections
Site Characterization via Horizons
Horizons -> Solids
Horizons -> HUF |
| Day 3 AM |
Importing GIS Data
GIS Module
Shapefiles
Model Calibration
Importing Observation Well Data
Calibration basics
Observation coverages
Point Observations
Flux Observations
Plotting calibration statistics |
| Day 3 PM |
Parameter Estimation with PEST
Introduction to inverse modeling
Parameterization
Defining zones with key values
PEST options
Parameter Estimation
Pilot point method
Regularization
Pilot point placement
Regional to Local Model Conversion |
| Day 4 AM |
MODPATH
Applications of Particle Tracking
Setting up the input
Output Options
Transport Modeling Concepts
Advection
Dispersion
Diffusion
Sorption
Decay |
| Day 4 PM |
MT3DMS
Governing Equation
Packages
Solvers
MODFLOW/MT3DMS interfacing issues
Stress periods
Package dialogs
Sources/Sinks |
Instructors
Dr. Norm L. Jones - is a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University. His research area is the application of computer graphics and computational geometry to ground water modeling. Dr. Jones manages the development of the GMS graphical user interface and is the director of the Environmental Modeling Research Laboratory at BYU. He has taught numerous university courses and ground water modeling short courses. He has also authored more than 90 books, reports, and technical articles and is the primary author of the GMS reference manual and tutorials.
Michael J. Kennard - GMS development team leader and software engineer at Aquaveo. Kennard has years of experience developing groundwater modeling software, teaching, and consulting.
Alan Lemon - Member of the GMS development team and software engineer at Aquaveo. Alan has years of experience developing groundwater modeling software and teaching. He has also been involved in several consulting projects using GMS to model groundwater systems
Cost
The cost of the 4-day course is $1595 (USD) per attendee. Save on all registrations made at least 30 days prior to the course – add $100 to the price above for late registration.
Registration includes the following:
- Instruction and hands-on use of the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS).
- Comprehensive Course Notes.
- Software CD containing the GMS software, tutorials, and documentation.
- A 30-day trial license of the full Surfacewater Modeling System.
- 25% Discount (up to $500.00) on the purchase of an GMS license.
- Lunch and coffee/snack breaks.
Training Attendee Cancellation Policy
Course Requirements
Participants may be required to provide their own computer with the following specifications:
- Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 operating system
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
- CD ROM (required for installing software)
- 1024x768 resolution (1280x1024 or higher recommended)
- Mouse
Location/Accomodations
The GMS training course will take place at the Marriott TownPlace Suites in Orem, Utah. Hotel reservations may be made at TownPlace Suites
Transportation
Attendees should fly into the Salt Lake International Airport (SLC), then drive, take a taxi or schedule a shuttle.
Xpress Shuttle
