TN-105 : Review of different softwares available for groundwater flow models

Abstract

Groundwater modelling is a powerful tool that can aid in studying groundwater problems and help increase our understanding of groundwater system facilitating the prediction and management of groundwater.

The groundwater flow models that are widely used for the modelling of groundwater systems, have been reviewed in terms of modelling philosophies for different components of groundwater system, different type of internal and external boundary conditions, temporal variation of external stresses, etc.. The models that have been reviewed includes PLASM (developed by Prickett and Lonnquist, 1971), MODFLOW (developed by McDonald and Harbaugh, 1988), GWFL3D (developed by Walton) and groundwater flow Model developed by Boonstra and deRidder. For each model detailed development of flow equations and codes, modelling techniques and capabilities along with the limitations for modelling specific components have been discussed.