Polishing Your Groundwater Modeling Skills

This course is designed to provide significant detail on practical ground-water flow modeling concepts and techniques. It will explore development of conceptual models for complex sites or regions, how to convert these conceptual models to appropriate ground-water flow models, and how to apply supplemental MODFLOW modules to effectively solve such problems. This course takes the user beyond topics covered in introductory modeling courses and beyond courses that teach the mechanics of applying various pre- and post-processing software. It revolves around a series of realistic problem sets that highlight practical aspects of ground-water flow modeling. These exercises serve as a basis for comparing alternative approaches to solving various types of problems.

This course has been taught previously on three occasions as "Advanced Groundwater Modeling". Reviews for the course have been excellent, with attendees commenting most frequently on the experience of the instructors, which enables them to cite actual applications and the pros and cons of particular modeling techniques.

Course sessions are from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A one hour lunch break is taken at noon. Computer facilities are available after-hours, in addition to the time used during course hours.

This three-day short course will present approaches and modeling tools for solving commonly encountered advanced ground-water flow problems. Topics will include:

• Determining an appropriate model grid design
• Converting field data to model input
• Selecting the number of model layers
• Utilizing CAD/GIS technology in developing models
• Deciding when to use transient models
• Alternatives for boundary conditions
• Use of third type boundaries (river, drain, or ghb)
• Supplemental third type boundaries (stream flow routing, lake stage)
• Representing aquifer pinch-out
• Calibration techniques
• Methods of displaying calibration results
• Dealing with uncertainty
• Approaches for simulating dewatering systems
• Alternatives for simulating barrier walls
• Calculating and utilizing a detailed water budget analysis
• Determining capture zones
• Common pitfalls in applying and displaying results of particle tracking simulations
• Designing optimal extraction strategies

The course schedule follows that of a typical ground-water modeling study, starting with conceptual model development and grid design, proceeding to calibration, and culminating in prediction and sensitivity analysis.

Problems sets that require conceptual model development and "hands-on" computer work are an integral part of the course. Small groups are formed for solution of the problems. After each exercise, one group presents its approach and solution, and the instructors and other groups offer comments. This affords a unique opportunity for all participants to consider multiple approaches to solve each problem.

The course also includes a half-day "open forum" session. This session is conducted at the end of the course and allows participants to explore approaches to their own specific modeling projects. This format allows participants to obtain feedback from the instructors and the rest of the class.

To aid in setting up some of the problems, a graphic-based preprocessor (either GW Vistas or Visual MODFLOW) is utilized. Alternatives for graphics-based preprocessing and post-processing are also discussed.

A draft copy of "A manual of instructional problems for the U.S.G.S. MODFLOW model, volume 2" is supplied to participants. The manual contains 15 documented problems of an advanced nature, some of which are discussed during the class. A comprehensive set of notes containing copies of lecture materials and problem sets is also supplied.

COURSE AUDIENCE

• have had prior training in groundwater modeling through college or shortcourses but wish to learn more about practical applications,
• be getting re-involved in groundwater modeling and need a refresher and introduction to the latest modeling techniques,
• wish to know how the multitude of new packages and recent updates to MODFLOW can be used effectively,
• be filling the role of the sole modeler in an office or company, but desire some advice and guidance to ensure that the most effective procedures are being used.
• be getting involved in progressively more complicated modeling problems and desire some guidance from experienced modelers.

This course provides insight into nuances and multiple approaches to solving realistic field problems using the popular MODFLOW model and accompanying tools, such as MODPATH, ZONEBUDGET, and others. It is assumed that the participant understands the principles of ground-water modeling and the basic structure of MODFLOW data sets.

COMMENTS FROM PAST ATTENDEES

Covered broad range of topics in a logical sequence and at the appropriate level of detail. Marcus Trotta, PES Environmental, Inc.

Experience of instructors and their practical approaches grounded in theory were the most significant strengths of the program. William Fryer, GeoTrans, Inc.

The opportunity to ask questions of and interact with the instructors, who are highly knowledgably in the subject area was great. William Greer, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

INSTRUCTORS

Peter F. Andersen is Vice President and Principal Engineer of GeoTrans, Inc., in charge of the Atlanta, Georgia, office. He has conducted numerous ground-water investigations including simulation of saltwater intrusion in Florida, contaminant transport at the Lipari Landfill, New Jersey, and analysis of local and regional flow systems at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. He developed a manual for the U.S. EPA of 20 instructional problems for the MODFLOW model and has recently developed a follow-up manual. Mr. Andersen has an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University.

Robert M. Greenwald is a Principal Hydrogeologist at GeoTrans, Inc., in charge of the Freehold, New Jersey, office. He has coded, tested, and documented an optimization module for MODFLOW (MODMAN) for ground-water management applications and has developed interface software for models based on commercial GIS and CAD software. He has applied ground-water models at numerous RCRA and CERCLA sites. Mr. Greenwald has an M.S. in Applied Hydrogeology from Stanford University.

ENROLLMENT & REGISTRATION

The fee for the short course is discounted for those who are registered for the 2008 MODFLOW 2008 to $1045 before May 2 ($1245 after May 2). The regular course fee for those who are not attending the conference is $1195 before May 2 ($1395 after May 2) . You will be invoiced for the tuition balance. The fee covers instruction, course notes, refreshments, and continuing education units. Lodging and meals are not covered. Payment in full must be received prior to the beginning of the course. The registration fee may be paid by check, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX or purchase order. A maximum of 20 applicants will be able to attend the course due to space limitations.

If cancellation is made before May 2, 2008, tuition will be refunded except for the $100 deposit. Cancellations made after that date will forfeit a $150 processing fee in addition to the $100 deposit. In case of cancellation, the right to course material is forfeited. Substitutions are permitted at any time prior to the start of the course. Please be advised that if the program is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, Colorado School of Mines will return all course fees, but will not be liable for any other expenses incurred by the prospective attendees.

To register click here. We will then contact you with more information based on your payment selection.

COURSE CREDIT

Upon request, the Colorado School of Mines will award 2.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU) for completion of the course.

COURSE LOCATION

The course will be held at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. A city and campus map will be sent to you upon course enrollment.

TRANSPORTATION AND LODGING

The Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, which is 20 minutes west of Denver, 1 hour west of the Denver International Airport and can be reached by taxi, airport shuttle or rental car. Lodging is available in Golden, within walking distance of the campus. Information regarding transportation, parking, and lodging will be sent upon registration.

For more information, contact :
International Groundwater Modeling Center
phone: +1 303 273-3103
fax: +1 303 384-2037
email: igwmc@mines.edu