A Conceptual Framework for Integration Development of GSFLOW Model: Concerns and Issues Identified and Addressed for Model Development Efficiency

Abstract

In Coupled Groundwater and Surface-Water Flow (GSFLOW) model, the three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater model (MODFLOW) plays a critical role of groundwater flow simulation, together with which the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) simulates the surface hydrologic processes. While the model development of each individual PRMS and MODFLOW model requires tremendous time and efforts, further integration development of these two models exerts additional concerns and issues due to different simulation realm, data communication, and computation algorithms. To address these 5 concerns and issues in GSFLOW, the present paper proposes a conceptual framework from perspectives of: Model Conceptualization, Data Linkages and Transference, Model Calibration, and Sensitivity Analysis. As a demonstration, a MODFLOW groundwater flow system was developed and coupled with the PRMS model in the Lehman Creek watershed, eastern Nevada, resulting in a smooth and efficient integration as the hydrogeologic features were captured and represented. The proposed conceptual integration framework with techniques and concerns identified substantially improves GSFLOW model develop-10 ment efficiency and help better model result interpretations. This may also find applications in other integrated hydrologic modelings.

An Overview of Groundwater Monitoring through Point-to Satellite-Based Techniques

“…Based on the geostatistical or hydrologic budget equation, many GIS-capable software tools are available to develop groundwater surface over the whole groundwater basin. For example, USGS Modular Groundwater Flow Model (MODFLOW), Finite Element Subsurface Flow System (FEFLOW) [142], Groundwater and Surface-water FLOW (GSFLOW) [143], (PHREEQC and HST3D) PHAST [144], and Saturated-Unsaturated Transport (SUTRA) are a computer programs that are used for groundwater flow modeling. They are used to simulate groundwater fluctuations, fluid movement, and the transport of dissolved substances in a subsurface environment.…”