Groundwater Modeling for Non-Modelers

This course is designed to introduce groundwater modeling concepts to professionals who use results of models for decision making but are not familiar with the genesis of these results.  These professionals may include managers, attorneys, or field personnel who are in charge of obtaining data for the models.  The course provides a broad perspective on the entire modeling process, from developing the objectives for the study to making predictions with the model.  The course attendee will leave the course with an improved appreciation of what goes into a model and hence the assumptions and limitations that underlie the model results that the attendee may rely upon in making decisions.

The course is primarily lecture-based, but is filled with numerous examples from actual modeling projects.  Several participant interactive exercises are included—one involving deciding if a model met its objectives—as well as others involving calibration and predictions using a model.  Modules on special uses and problems conclude the course.  Common misconceptions and errors in modeling are discussed.

Parts of this course have been taught previously on three occasions to water managers, attorneys, and water purveyors.  Reviews for these lectures have been excellent.  Course attendees have ample time to ask questions and interact with the instructor.  The course runs from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A one-hour lunch break is taken at noon and snacks are provided during breaks.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This one-day short course presents the fundamentals of groundwater modeling in an easy to understand format, with minimal background in mathematics required.
Topics include:

● What is a model?

• Uses of models
• Types of models (physical, electrical analog, mathematical)
• Analytical vs numerical models
• Objectives of modeling
• Judging the success of a modeling study
• What makes up a numerical model?
• Where the groundwater flow equation comes from
• Boundary conditions
• Solving the equation
• Direct vs iterative techniques
• The modeling process
• Data acquisition
• Conceptual model formulation
• Code selection
• Model construction
• Calibration
• Sensitivity Analysis
• Predictions
• Model formulation
• Model objectives
• Data needs and sources
• Model configuration
• Steady-state vs transient models
• Boundary and initial conditions
• Popular modeling software
• Calibration
• Process
• Targets
• Indicators of calibration
• Calibration exercise
• Prediction
• Process
• Calibration exercise extended to prediction
• “Verification”
• Challenges with predictions
• Post-audits
• Special uses of models
• Potential uses of models
• Contaminant transport
• Lakes and wetlands
• Saltwater intrusion
• Special Problems
• Common misconceptions with models
• Common errors in modeling
• Reviewing models
• Acceptability in the legal arena

      The course schedule builds upon knowledge gained in prior lectures and, after introductory materials, follows that of a typical ground-water modeling study.
      A comprehensive set of notes containing copies of lecture materials and links to articles discussed in the lectures is supplied to all participants.

COURSE AUDIENCE

This course is intended professionals who use modeling results for making decisions and desire a more firm understanding of how these results were derived.
Prospective attendees include:

•  Attorneys, who work with groundwater and modeling experts, and desire a better understanding of the modeling process.
•  Managers of water and contamination cleanup projects who want to be more conversant with the staff that they manage and to understand the limitations of the work.
•  Field personnel, who collect data used in models, that want to have a firm grasp on how these data are used and potential data quality issues as the data are transferred to a model.
• Data management and GIS personnel who wish to understand how the data that they manage are used in groundwater models.
• Regulatory personnel who review modeling results and desire a better understanding of the assumptions and limitations of modeling.
• Business development personnel who would like a better understanding of this particular aspect of water and contamination projects.
• Other non-technical professionals, such as journalists or lobbyists,  who may need to understand the basic concepts of groundwater modeling to more effectively carry out their jobs.

Peter F. Andersen obtained his Bachelors of Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Auburn University in 1977 and 1980, respectively.  Prior to obtaining his Masters, he worked as a field engineer for the Alabama Water Resources Research Institute conducting an aquifer thermal energy storage project in Mobile.  After graduating with his Masters, Mr. Andersen worked briefly for the South Florida Water Management District as a water resources engineer.  He joined GeoTrans in 1982.  With GeoTrans, he has worked on a variety of projects and sites, including the Lipari Landfill (former top ranked Superfund site), Prices Pit, the Savannah River Site, and the proposed Crandon Mine.  Mr. Andersen in actively involved with groundwater flow and solute transport modeling and has taught over 60 short courses at the International Groundwater Modeling Center, the U.S. Army Hydrologic Engineering Center, the U.S. EPA, and other commercial and government entities.  He is also the author of A Manual of Instructional Problems for the U.S.G.S. MODFLOW Model, which he developed for the U.S. EPA.  He has served on several modeling review panels and has testified as an expert witness on cases involving modeling.  Currently, he manages the Atlanta office of GeoTrans. Mr. Andersen is a registered professional engineer in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia.

The fee for the short course is $295 before May 6 and thereafter $345 with MODFLOW 2008 Conference registration and $345 before May 6 and thereafter $395 without MODFLOW 2008 Conference registration. Enrollment for the course requires a deposit of $100. Cancellations made after May 6 will forfeit a $150 processing fee in addition to the $100 deposit.  You will be invoiced for the tuition balance. Fee covers instruction, course notes, data cds, refreshments, and certificate of participation. 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, American Express, or purchase order. In case of cancellation, tuition is refunded, less the $100 deposit, the right to course materials is forfeited. Substitutions are permitted at any time. Organizers retain the right to cancel the course. In the event of cancellation, the registered participants will be informed before May 9, 2008, and the fee will be refunded.

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 0.8 Continuing Education Units (CEU) for completion of the course.

COURSE LOCATION

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

IGWMC MAIN PAGE

Last Update: January 29, 2008