MODFLOW-2005 and MODPATH6 models used to simulate groundwater flow and transport and base-flow age in two tributaries to the Upper Chester River, Maryland
Dates
Release Date
2018-01-01
Start Date
1990-01-01
End Date
2005-11-03
Publication Date
2023-09-15
Citation
Zell, W.O. and Sanford, W.E., 2018, MODFLOW-2005 and MODPATH6 models used to simulate groundwater flow and transport and base-flow age in two tributaries to the Upper Chester River, Maryland: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7SN087R.
Summary
A steady state three-dimensional groundwater flow (MODFLOW-2005) and advective transport (MODPATH6) model was developed to examine subsurface travel times to wells and receiving streams in two subcatchments contributing to the Upper Chester River, Maryland. The model was calibrated to conditions from 1990 to 2005, the period for which groundwater levels, stream discharge measurements, and atmospheric tracer measurements were jointly available. Six calibrated model scenarios were generated and paired with First Order Second Moment (FOSM) linear uncertainty analysis tools to evaluate (i) the uncertainty of base-flow age estimates as well as (ii) the worth of future data collection. The development of the model input and output files [...]
Summary
A steady state three-dimensional groundwater flow (MODFLOW-2005) and advective transport (MODPATH6) model was developed to examine subsurface travel times to wells and receiving streams in two subcatchments contributing to the Upper Chester River, Maryland. The model was calibrated to conditions from 1990 to 2005, the period for which groundwater levels, stream discharge measurements, and atmospheric tracer measurements were jointly available. Six calibrated model scenarios were generated and paired with First Order Second Moment (FOSM) linear uncertainty analysis tools to evaluate (i) the uncertainty of base-flow age estimates as well as (ii) the worth of future data collection. The development of the model input and output files included in this data release are documented in the Journal of Hydrology article (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.02.006).
This groundwater model was created to simulate subsurface travel times from recharge locations to discharge in two Maryland streams - Morgan Creek and Chesterville Branch - and to evaluate the worth of collecting additional head or atmospheric tracer data for purposes of reducing the uncertainty of estimated base-flow ages in those streams. The development of the model input and output files included in this data release are documented in the Journal of Hydrology article (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.02.006).
Preview Image
Image of the model domain and active area of the model.