Particle Tracing
This post describes how to use particle tracing in HydroGeoSphere, introduced with the release of HGS revision 2385 (April 2022). This new capability allows users to track the movement of massless particles through the subsurface domain, providing valuable insights into flow patterns and transport processes. Conceptually, particle tracing helps visualize how water moves through the system, making it a powerful tool for analyzing groundwater flow and solute transport. We find this feature particularly useful for understanding complex flow dynamics.
HGS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT – Finite-volume flux reconstruction and semi-analytical particle tracking on triangular prisms for finite-element-type models of variably-saturated flow
The poster highlights some very interesting research at the nexus of physics based integrated hydrologic modelling (using HydroGeoSphere) and machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques. Here the authors have paired an HGS model of the South Nation Watershed (SNW) with a Random Forest (RF) algorithm trained to predict spatially varying concentrations of nitrate and E. Coli throughout the watershed. For a completely novel approach toward large scale water quality prediction, the results were very encouraging!
HGS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT – Predicting Watershed Scale Surface Water Quality Targets With a Combined Fully-Integrated Groundwater-Surface Water Model and Machine Learning Approach
The poster highlights some very interesting research at the nexus of physics based integrated hydrologic modelling (using HydroGeoSphere) and machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques. Here the authors have paired an HGS model of the South Nation Watershed (SNW) with a Random Forest (RF) algorithm trained to predict spatially varying concentrations of nitrate and E. Coli throughout the watershed. For a completely novel approach toward large scale water quality prediction, the results were very encouraging!
Visualizing Models Components Using to Tecplot Commands
This post describes how to use Tecplot export commands to visualize model properties and structures without running a full simulation. Commands like mesh to tecplot, K to tecplot, and channels to tecplot allow users to quickly inspect their model setup by generating Tecplot-formatted files directly from grok.exe. These commands are particularly useful for reviewing mesh structures, material properties, and domain features like fractures and channels before committing to a full model run. We find these tools extremely helpful for catching errors early and streamlining the model-building process.
HGS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT – Simulating fully-integrated hydrological dynamics in complex Alpine headwaters: potential and challenges
Alpine areas are inherently difficult to model, with large elevation gradients (steep, rugged terrain), complex geology and highly variable weather conditions, but nevertheless a satisfactory model calibration was achieved. The model incorporated fully integrated surface/groundwater flow, evapotranspiration processes, and dynamic snowmelt (using an energy balance-based representation of snow processes), all underpinned by a detailed 3D geological model.
Reservoir with Spillway
This post describes the new reservoir with spillway boundary condition, an improvement over the basic reservoir BC that provides greater control over water release in HydroGeoSphere models. This boundary condition allows for more realistic reservoir inflow and outflow behavior by incorporating parameters such as surcharge storage, spillway discharge, and gate-controlled release. Conceptually, the reservoir with spillway BC enhances water management simulations by dynamically adjusting outflows based on reservoir storage conditions rather than relying solely on predefined time-value tables. We find this boundary condition particularly useful for modeling hydraulic control features in complex water management scenarios.
Boundary Condition: Reservoir with Spillway
The February 2022 release of HydroGeoSphere (Revision 2356) introduced an advanced boundary condition: the reservoir with spillway. This new feature builds upon the basic reservoir boundary condition, offering enhanced control over water release in your models. With parameters for surcharge reservoir storage, spillway discharge rates, and gate discharge, this boundary condition simulates complex hydraulic operations with greater precision. Unlike the basic reservoir BC, which relies solely on time-value tables, the reservoir with spillway incorporates inflow hydrographs, spillway discharge, and overflow discharge mechanisms, making it an invaluable tool for realistic water management scenarios.