Search USGS⌕ Search

Geology topics

Arlen W. Harbaugh

Publications and source records attributed to Arlen W. Harbaugh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater Modeling Software: Making Sense of a Complex Natural Resource

Computer models of groundwater systems simulate the flow of groundwater, including water levels, and the transport of chemical constituents and thermal energy. Groundwater models afford hydrologists a framework on which to organize their knowledge and understanding of groundwater systems, and they provide insights water-resources managers need to plan effectively for future water demands. Building on decades of experience, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) continues to lead in the development and application of computer software that allows groundwater models to address scientific and management questions of increasing complexity.

Fact Sheet↗

Revised multi-node well (MNW2) package for MODFLOW ground-water flow model

Wells that are open to multiple aquifers can provide preferential pathways to flow and solute transport that short-circuit normal fluid flowlines. Representing these features in a regional flow model can produce a more realistic and reliable simulation model. This report describes modifications to the Multi-Node Well (MNW) Package of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) three-dimensional ground-water flow model (MODFLOW). The modifications build on a previous version and add several new features, processes, and input and output options. The input structure of the revised MNW (MNW2) is more well-centered than the original verion of MNW (MNW1) and allows the user to easily define hydraulic characteristics of each multi-node well. MNW2 also allows calculations of additional head changes due to partial penetration effects, flow into a borehole through a seepage face, changes in well discharge related to changes in lift for a given pump, and intraborehole flows with a pump intake located at any specified depth within the well. MNW2 also offers an improved capability to simulate nonvertical wells. A new output option allows selected multi-node wells to be designated as 'observation wells' for which changes in selected variables with time will be written to separate output files to facilitate postprocessing. MNW2 is compatible with the MODFLOW-2000 and MODFLOW-2005 versions of MODFLOW and with the version of MODFLOW that includes the Ground-Water Transport process (MODFLOW-GWT).

Techniques and Methods↗

Simulation of cylindrical flow to a well using the U.S. Geological Survey Modular Finite-Difference Ground-Water Flow Model

Cylindrical (axasymmetric) flow to a well is an important specialized topic of ground-water hydraulics and has been applied by many investigators to determine aquifer properties and determine heads and flows in the vicinity of the well. A recent modification to the U.S. Geological Survey Modular Three-Dimensional Finite-Difference Ground-Water Flow Model provides the opportunity to simulate axisymmetric flow to a well. The theory involves the conceptualization of a system of concentric shells that are capable of reproducing the large variations in gradient in the vicinity of the well by decreasing their area in the direction of the well. The computer program presented serves as a preprocessor to the U.S. Geological Survey model by creating the input data file needed to implement the axisymmetric conceptualization. Data input requirements to this preprocessor are described, and a comparison with a known analytical solution indicates that the model functions appropriately.

Groundwater↗

MODFLOW-2005 : the U.S. Geological Survey modular ground-water model--the ground-water flow process

This report presents MODFLOW-2005, which is a new version of the finite-difference ground-water model commonly called MODFLOW. Ground-water flow is simulated using a block-centered finite-difference approach. Layers can be simulated as confined or unconfined. Flow associated with external stresses, such as wells, areal recharge, evapotranspiration, drains, and rivers, also can be simulated. The report includes detailed explanations of physical and mathematical concepts on which the model is based, an explanation of how those concepts are incorporated in the modular structure of the computer program, instructions for using the model, and details of the computer code. The modular structure consists of a MAIN Program and a series of highly independent subroutines. The subroutines are grouped into 'packages.' Each package deals with a specific feature of the hydrologic system that is to be simulated, such as flow from rivers or flow into drains, or with a specific method of solving the set of simultaneous equations resulting from the finite-difference method. Several solution methods are incorporated, including the Preconditioned Conjugate-Gradient method. The division of the program into packages permits the user to examine specific hydrologic features of the model independently. This also facilitates development of additional capabilities because new packages can be added to the program without modifying the existing packages. The input and output systems of the computer program also are designed to permit maximum flexibility. The program is designed to allow other capabilities, such as transport and optimization, to be incorporated, but this report is limited to describing the ground-water flow capability. The program is written in Fortran 90 and will run without modification on most computers that have a Fortran 90 compiler.

Techniques and Methods↗

Guidelines for Evaluating Ground-Water Flow Models

Ground-water flow modeling is an important tool frequently used in studies of ground-water systems. Reviewers and users of these studies have a need to evaluate the accuracy or reasonableness of the ground-water flow model. This report provides some guidelines and discussion on how to evaluate complex ground-water flow models used in the investigation of ground-water systems. A consistent thread throughout these guidelines is that the objectives of the study must be specified to allow the adequacy of the model to be evaluated.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

A data input program (MFI2K) for the U.S. Geological Survey modular ground-water model (MODFLOW-2000)

MFI2K is a data-input (entry) program for the U.S. Geological Survey modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water model, MODFLOW-2000. MFI2K runs on personal computers. MFI2K supports the solute transport and parameter-estimation capabilities that are incorporated in MODFLOW-2000. Data for MODPATH, a particle-tracking program for use with MODFLOW-2000, also can be entered using MFI2K. MFI2K is designed to be easy to use; data are entered interactively through a series of display screens. MFI2K also can be used in conjunction with other data-input programs so that the different parts of a model dataset can be entered using the most suitable program. MFI2K interfaces to an external program for entering or editing two-dimensional arrays and lists of stress data. This report provides instructions for using MFI2K.

Open-File Report↗

MODFLOW-2000, The U.S. Geological Survey modular ground-water model: User guide to modularization concepts and the ground-water flow process

MODFLOW is a computer program that numerically solves the three-dimensional ground-water flow equation for a porous medium by using a finite-difference method. Although MODFLOW was designed to be easily enhanced, the design was oriented toward additions to the ground-water flow equation. Frequently there is a need to solve additional equations; for example, transport equations and equations for estimating parameter values that produce the closest match between model-calculated heads and flows and measured values. This report documents a new version of MODFLOW, called MODFLOW-2000, which is designed to accommodate the solution of equations in addition to the ground-water flow equation. This report is a user's manual. It contains an overview of the old and added design concepts, documents one new package, and contains input instructions for using the model to solve the ground-water flow equation.

Open-File Report↗

A generalized finite-difference formulation for the U.S. Geological Survey modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model

The U.S. Geological Survey's Modular Ground-Water Flow Model assumes that model nodes are in the center of cells and that transmissivity is constant within a cell. Based on these assumptions, the model calculates coefficients, called conductance, that are multiplied by head difference to determine flow between cells. Although these are common assumptions in finite-difference models, other assumptions are possible. A new option to the model program reads conductance as input data rather than calculating it. This optional lows the user to calculate conductance outside of the model. The user thus has the flexibility to define conductance using any desired assumptions. For a water-table condition, horizontal conductance must change as water level varies. To handle this situation, the new option reads conductance divided by thickness (CDT) as input data. The model calculates saturated thickness and multiplies it by CDT to obtain conductance. Thus, the user is still free from the assumptions of centered nodes and constant transmissivity in cells. The model option is written in FORTRAN77 and is fully compatible with the existing model. This report documents the new model option; it includes a description of the concepts, detailed input instructions, and a listing of the code.

Open-File Report↗

A modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model

This report presents a finite-difference model and its associated modular computer program. The model simulates flow in three dimensions. The report includes detailed explanations of physical and mathematical concepts on which the model is based and an explanation of how those concepts are incorporated in the modular structure of the computer program. The modular structure consists of a Main Program and a series of highly independent subroutines called 'modules.' The modules are grouped into 'packages.' Each package deals with a specific feature of the hydrologic system which is to be simulated, such as flow from rivers or flow into drains, or with a specific method of solving linear equations which describe the flow system, such as the Strongly Implicit Procedure or Slice-Successive Overrelaxation. The division of the program into modules permits the user to examine specific hydrologic features of the model independently. This also facilita development of additional capabilities because new packages can be added to the program without modifying the existing packages. The input and output systems of the computer program are also designed to permit maximum flexibility. Ground-water flow within the aquifer is simulated using a block-centered finite-difference approach. Layers can be simulated as confined, unconfined, or a combination of confined and unconfined. Flow associated with external stresses, such as wells, areal recharge, evapotranspiration, drains, and streams, can also be simulated. The finite-difference equations can be solved using either the Strongly Implicit Procedure or Slice-Successive Overrelaxation. The program is written in FORTRAN 77 and will run without modification on most computers that have a FORTRAN 77 compiler. For each program ,module, this report includes a narrative description, a flow chart, a list of variables, and a module listing.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗

A modular three-dimensional finite-difference fround-water flow model

This report presents a finite-difference model and its associated modular computer program. The model simulates flow in three dimensions. The report includes detailed explanations of physical and mathematical concepts on which the model is based and an explanation of how those concepts are incorporated in the modular structure of the computer program. The modular structure consists of a Main Program and a series of highly independent subroutines called 'modules.' The modules are grouped into 'packages.' Each package deals with a specific feature of the hydrologic system which is to be simulated, such as flow from rivers or flow into drains, or with a specific method of solving linear equations which describe the flow system, such as the Strongly Implicit Procedure or Slice-Successive Overrelaxation. The division of the program into modules permits the user to examine specific hydrologic features of the model independently. This also facilita development of additional capabilities because new packages can be added to the program without modifying the existing packages. The input and output systems of the computer program are also designed to permit maximum flexibility. Ground-water flow within the aquifer is simulated using a block-centered finite-difference approach. Layers can be simulated as confined, unconfined, or a combination of confined and unconfined. Flow associated with external stresses, such as wells, areal recharge, evapotranspiration, drains, and streams, can also be simulated. The finite-difference equations can be solved using either the Strongly Implicit Procedure or Slice-Successive Overrelaxation. The program is written in FORTRAN 77 and will run without modification on most computers that have a FORTRAN 77 compiler. For each program ,module, this report includes a narrative description, a flow chart, a list of variables, and a module listing.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗

U. S. G. S. MODULAR GROUND-WATER FLOW MODEL: DESIGNED TO BE UNDERSTOOD AND ADAPTED.

The paper discusses a carefully designed model program and its complementary complete description of all of the physical and mathematical concepts used in the model. The model program consists of a series of independent subroutines called modules. Modules are grouped by hydrologic function into 'packages. ' A report describing the model was written in three levels. At one level the hydrologic concepts on which the model is based are explained. The second level describes how the concepts were incorporated into the program. The third level describes specific modules in sufficient depth to permit modifications to the model.

Conference Paper↗

A comparison of analog and digital modeling techniques for simulating three-dimensional ground-water flow on Long Island, New York

A three-dimensional electric-analog model of the Long Island, NY , groundwater system constructed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the early 1970 's was used as the basis for developing a digital, three-dimensional finite-difference model. The digital model was needed to provide faster modifications and more rapid solutions to water-management questions. Results generated by the two models are depicted as potentiometric-surface maps of the upper glacial and Magothy aquifers. Results compare favorably for all parts of Long Island except the northwestern part, where hydrologic discontinuities are most prevalent and which the two models represent somewhat differently. The mathematical and hydrologic principles used in development of ground-water models, and the procedures for calibration and acceptance, are presented in nontechnical terms. (USGS)

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗

Computer-model analysis of the use of Delaware River water to supplement water from the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system in southern New Jersey

A computer model of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system was used to simulate the effects of supplementing ground water with water from the Delaware River. Replacement of ground water pumpage with surface water in a 150-square-mile area near Camden, N.J., was simulated. Artificial recharge of surface water was also simulated in the same area. A series of nine simulations was made. The simulations include the period 1974 to 2000. Two projections for water use were used. Also, in some of the model simulations a line of injection wells was simulated to prevent movement of saline water into pumping centers. The simulations indicate that heads will be as much as 100 feet higher in the year 2000 near the 150-square-mile area than that if ony ground water would be used without supplement of surface water. In the model simulations, heads recover upon application of surface water, but start declining again within 2 years. The rate of head decline after suface-water application is slower than before the application.

New Jersey↗

Analog-model analysis of effects of waste-water management on the ground-water reservoir in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York; Report III: Reduction and redistribution of ground-water pumpage

Two methods of reducing predicted water-level declines in the Long Island ground-water reservoir were simulated on an electric-analog model. The declines result from predicted increased ground-water withdrawals due to population growth and loss of ground-water recharge due to sewerage. The first method calls for a 30-percent reduction in pumpage from 1975 to 1995; this would be effected through conservation measures. The second method simulates the importation of water from Suffolk County to replace pumpage in Nassau County Sewage Disposal District 3, in 1995. Two amounts of imported water were tested in the second method--100 percent of the total amount pumped in Nassau County Sewage Disposal District 3 in 1995 (61.7 million gallons per day or 2.70 cubic meters per second) and 50 percent of.— that amount (30.8 million gallons per day or 1.35 cubic meters per second). With Method I, the maximum decline in water levels is 3.5 m (11 ft), which is considerably smaller than the decline of 5.0 m (16 ft) predicted in companion Report I without this reduction. Method 11 would change the regional water-level distribution entirely and would even cause a water-level rise in Nassau County, when 100 percent of the withdrawals of Sewage Disposal District 3 are imported. Results of the model analysis are depicted on maps showing net change in heads in the Magothy aquifer and at the water table and in a table listing changes in streamflow for selected streams.

New York↗