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Related Experiment Videos

A nested rediscretization method to improve pathline resolution by eliminating weak sinks representing wells.

F J Spitz1, R S Nicholson, D A Pope

  • 1U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division, 810 Bear Tavern Rd., West Trenton, NJ 08628, USA.

Ground Water
|September 14, 2001
PubMed
Summary

This study presents a nested rediscretization method to resolve ambiguous particle-tracking in groundwater models caused by weak sink cells. This technique improves flowpath accuracy for well capture zones.

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Area of Science:

  • Hydrogeology
  • Computational Hydrology
  • Environmental Modeling

Background:

  • Groundwater flow models like MODFLOW use particle tracking (MODPATH) to simulate water movement.
  • Spatial discretization in models can create 'weak sink' cells for wells, causing particle-tracking ambiguity.
  • This ambiguity hinders accurate well capture zone delineation and contaminant transport assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and evaluate a method for resolving weak sink cell issues in MODPATH simulations.
  • To improve the accuracy of particle-tracking results, particularly for wellhead protection scenarios.
  • To provide a practical approach for enhancing groundwater model reliability.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a nested rediscretization technique to refine the model grid around well cells.

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  • Implemented the method manually for individual wells under steady-state conditions.
  • Utilized five Fortran programs for software implementation and operation.

    • Main Results:

    • The nested rediscretization method effectively converts weak sink cells into strong sink cells, eliminating ambiguity.
    • Particle-tracking simulations using the refined method yielded more accurate results compared to coarse models alone.
    • Demonstrated practical application in a wellhead-protection case study.

    Conclusions:

    • Nested rediscretization is a viable solution for addressing weak sink problems in MODPATH.
    • The method enhances the reliability of particle-tracking simulations for groundwater management.
    • Accurate flowpath definition is crucial for effective wellhead protection and resource management.