User friendly data visualization tool for interpretation of groundwater isotope data
Abstract : Management of groundwater systems requires realistic conceptual hydrogeological models as a framework for numerical simulation modelling, but also for system understanding and communicatin g this to stakeholders and the broader community. To help overcome these challenges we developed GVS (Groundwater Visualisation System), a stand-alone desktop software package that uses interactive 3D visualisation and animation techniques. The goal was a user-friendly groundwater management tool that could support a range of existing real-world and pre-processed data, both surface and subsurface, including geology and various types of temporal hydrological information. GVS allows these data to be integrated into a single conceptual hydrogeological model. In addition, 3D geological models produced externally using other software packages, can readily be imported into GVS models, as can outputs of simulations (e.g. piezometric surfaces) produced by software suc h as MODFLOW or FEFLOW. Boreholes can be integrated, showing any down-hole data and properties, includ ing screen information, intersected geology, water leve l data and water chemistry. Animation is used to display spatial and temporal changes, with time-series data such as rainfall, standing water levels and electrical conductivity, displaying dynamic processes.
? Water-level measurements serve as primary data required for calibration and testing of ground-water models, and it is often not until development of these models that the limitations of existing water-level data are fully recognized.
? These limitations, statistical analysis of data from existing networks can provide useful guidance in evaluating these networks and a firmer basis for network modifications.
? However, water-level monitoring in the United States is fragmented and largely subject to the vagaries of existing local projects.
? A common problem is the localised scale view, and the lack of understanding of the wider context of a whole system and the potential catchment links.
? Our early activities involved developing visualisation applications for groundwater systems to analyse large data sets in areas with water management and salinity concerns or other resource use issues.
? A specific aim of the GVS model development was to use 3D visualisation, combined with animation, to demonstrate the impact of over 40 years of groundwater abstraction.
• SAR, the sodium adsorption ratio index, is an important parameter to determine the use of groundwater for irrigation purposes.
• Several innovative uses of long-term waterlevel monitoring have been proposed in addition to the more conventional uses described thus far.
• If one of the purposes of a network is to monitor ambient ground-water conditions, or the effects of natural, climatic-induced hydrologic stresses, the observation network will require wells that are unaffected by pumping, irrigation, and land uses that affect ground-water recharge.
? Common misconceptions of surface water-ground water connectivity, recharge processes, base flow in drainage systems, and groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDE) further challenge efficient groundwater management practices.
? The advantage of considering stratigraphy and developing layer boundaries within a 3D geological model is that the 3D hydrogeological model developed is usually more realistic.
? The 3D model, however, must be adapted to the grid format of the simulation software being used.
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