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Simulation and Management of Regional Scale Groundwater Flow Systems
Conveners: Kenneth Belitz, U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center and Randall Hanson, U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center
By definition, regional groundwater flow systems are large. Therefore, modelers face the challenge of resolution. This challenge is not limited to selection of the appropriate spatial and temporal scales for modeling; it also includes issues related to data synthesis, data assimilation, and coupling of the groundwater flow system to other components of the hydrologic cycle. These issues can become significant obstacles to evaluation of regional scale management solutions.
This session will focus on contributions that advance our ability to represent, simulate, or manage regional groundwater flow systems. Examples include representation of regional scale subsurface heterogeneity; incorporation of natural and engineered surface-water networks into groundwater models; harnessing of real-time and near real-time datasets for model input and model calibration; incorporation of water quality monitoring networks into groundwater models; coupling of regional scale groundwater models with models representing other processes; coupling of models at different scales; and incorporation of decision making into regional groundwater models. Contributions at the interface between new methods and their application to important aquifer systems are especially encouraged
