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MODFLOW as a Configurable Multi-Model Hydrologic Simulator
Christian D Langevin, Joseph D Hughes1, Alden M Provost2
1U.S. Geological Survey, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division, 927 W Belle Plaine Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA.
Ground Water
|September 1, 2023
Summary
MODFLOW 6, a new groundwater flow model, integrates multiple hydrologic processes and models. Its flexible architecture supports advanced features and interoperability for enhanced groundwater simulations.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Computational Science
Background:
- MODFLOW is a widely used software package for simulating groundwater flow.
- Previous versions of MODFLOW have addressed specific challenges like unstructured grids and complex solution methods.
- There was a need for a unified platform to integrate diverse hydrologic modeling capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the MODFLOW 6 architecture and its capabilities.
- To highlight the integration of various hydrologic processes and model types within a single simulation framework.
- To describe the extensibility of MODFLOW 6 for future developments and interoperability.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the architectural design of MODFLOW 6.
- It describes the consolidation of features from previous MODFLOW versions (e.g., MODFLOW-USG, MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-CDSS).
- It explains the multi-model capability for integrating functionalities like local-grid refinement (LGR), multi-species transport (MT3DMS), and variable-density flow (SEAWAT).
Main Results:
- MODFLOW 6 offers a unified architecture supporting groundwater flow and other hydrologic processes.
- It enables multiple model instances and types within a single simulation, enhancing flexibility.
- The software integrates popular features from prior versions and allows for seamless interaction with external programs.
Conclusions:
- The MODFLOW 6 architecture provides a flexible and integrated platform for advanced hydrologic simulations.
- Its design facilitates the incorporation of new capabilities with minimal invasiveness.
- MODFLOW 6 represents a significant advancement in groundwater modeling software, promoting interoperability and future development.
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