TC Chamberlin Modeling Center Active
Examples of where we work
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center works nationally and internationally. These are footprints of some of the national models run at the Center.
Both Windows® and Linux® operating systems are increasingly brought to bear as shown by increases in the CPU hours for jobs run at the Center.
The Center specializes in combining commodity hardware such as desktop PCs and blade servers to solve problems that a single computer cannot.
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center provides one-stop access to advanced computing so no project is limited by a lack of computer power. The Center can provide hardware access, assistance with migration and implementation, and training. We also develop, test, and disseminate state-of-the-art computational and analytical techniques and tools so models can be more effectively used in decision-making.
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center is a founding partner of the USGS Advanced Computing Cooperative (ACC). The ACC provides one-stop access to advanced computing so that no work is limited by a lack of computer power. The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center is funded in part by the Core Science Systems Mission Area of the USGS to provide access to computer hardware and assistance for moving problems from local desktops to larger systems. Depending on the needs of the modeler, assistance can include implementing powerful new computational and analytical techniques, and training others in the skills needed for future modeling projects. Within the larger ACC, the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center also develops, tests, and disseminates state-of-the-art techniques and tools so that models are more effectively applied to today’s decision-making. Use the contact information on the overview tab to start the process to move your problem to advanced computing.
Problem
Modeling has become the language of quantitative scientific problem solving. Yet increases in computing power, parallel computing, and the availability of diverse sources of data have increased the complexity of models, and training on these new capabilities has not kept pace. As a result, it has become impractical for practitioners to develop expertise in the wide-ranging aspects of parallel computing, software customization, modeling, calibration, and uncertainty analysis.
Objectives
- Provide advanced computing assistance to modelers to implement powerful new computational and analytical techniques
- Provide training to others so they can gain the skills necessary to apply to their projects in the future
- Develop, implement, and disseminate state-of-the-art techniques and tools so that models are more effectively applied to today’s decision-making
Examples of Advanced Computing
A complex natural world means that there can never be certain that a simple representation such as a model captures its important characteristics. One way to handle uncertainty is to run a model many times where each run has slightly different model input. When finished, the runs can be summarized to identify which outcomes are likely and which are not. Likewise, visualization of model results can be importing for efficiently conveying what the many hours of model runs produced. Examples of these types of advanced computing outputs are shown here.
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center has assisted projects throughout the world, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the Great Lakes Basin, Native American tribes, Australia, Denmark, and Canada. Past work focuses primarily on water issues but also includes a range of models - from temperature to pathogens to populations. Examples of some of this work are shown in the figures on the right, along with some of our key publications.
BOOKS:
- Anderson, M.P., Woessner, W.W. and Hunt, R.J., 2015, Applied Groundwater Modeling: Simulation of Flow and Advective Transport (2nd Edition). Academic Press, Inc. 564 p. ISBN 9780120581030.
- Jakeman, A.J., Barreteau, O., Hunt, R.J., Rinaudo, J-D., and Ross, A., (editors) 2016, Integrated Groundwater Management: Concepts, Approaches, Challenges. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 953 p. ISBN 978-3-319-23575-2.
GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTED PRACTICES:
- Hunt, R.J., Anderson, M.P., and Kelson, V.A., 1998, Improving a complex finite difference groundwater-flow model through the use of an analytic element screening model. Groundwater 36(6), p.1011-1017.
- Anderson, M.P., Hunt, R.J., Krohelski, J.T., and Chung, K., 2002, Using high hydraulic conductivity nodes to simulate seepage lakes. Groundwater 40(2): 119-124.
- Kelson, V.A., Hunt, R.J., and Haitjema, H.M., 2002, Improving a regional model using reduced complexity and parameter estimation. Groundwater 40(2), p. 138-149.
- Hunt, R.J., Haitjema, H.M., Krohelski, J.T., and Feinstein, D.T., 2003, Simulating ground water-lake interactions: Approaches and insights, Groundwater 41(2): 227-237.
- Feinstein, D.T., Hart, D.J., and Krohelski, J.T., 2004, The value of long-term monitoring in the development of ground-water-flow models: USGS Fact Sheet 116-03, 4 p.
- Hunt, R.J., Doherty, J., and Tonkin, M.J., 2007, Are models too simple? Arguments for increased parameterization. Groundwater 45(3): 254-263.
- Hunt, R.J., Prudic, D.E., Walker, J.F., and Anderson, M.P., 2008, Importance of unsaturated zone flow for simulating recharge in a humid climate. Groundwater 46(4):551-560.
- Fienen, M.N., Muffels, C.T., and Hunt, R.J., 2009, On constraining pilot point calibration with regularization in PEST. Groundwater 47(6): 835-844.
- Hunt, R.J., Luchette, J., Schreüder, W.A., Rumbaugh, J.O., Doherty, J., Tonkin, M.J., and Rumbaugh, D.B., 2010a, Using a Cloud to replenish parched groundwater modeling efforts. Groundwater 48(3): 360-365.
- Fienen, M.N., Doherty, J.E., Hunt, R.J., and Reeves, H.W., 2010, Using prediction uncertainty analysis to design hydrologic monitoring networks—Example applications from the Great Lakes Water Availability Pilot Project: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5159, 44 p.
- Doherty, J., Fienen, M.N., and Hunt, R.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: Pilot-point theory, guidelines, and research directions: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5168, 36 p.
- Doherty, J., and Hunt, R.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: A Guide to Using PEST for Groundwater-Model Calibration. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5169, 59 p.
- Doherty, J., Hunt, R.J., and Tonkin, M.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: A Guide to Using PEST for Model-Parameter and Predictive-Uncertainty Analysis. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5211, 71 p.
- Barnett, B., Townley, L.R., Post, V., Evans, R.E., Hunt, R.J., Peeters, L., Richardson, S., Werner, A.D., Knapton, A. and Boronkay, A., 2012, Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines. Waterlines Report Series No. 82, National Water Commission, Canberra, Australia. 191 p. ISBN: 978-1-921853-91-3.
- Hunt, R.J., 2012, Uncertainty, pp. 92-105 in Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines. Waterlines Report Series No. 82, National Water Commission, Canberra, Australia. 191 p. ISBN: 978-1-921853-91-3.
- Fienen, M.N., and Hunt, R.J., 2015, High-Throughput Computing vs. High-Performance Computing for groundwater applications. Groundwater 53(2), p. 180-184. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12320.
- Hunt, R.J., 2017, Applied uncertainty. Groundwater 55(6), p. 771-772. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12604
- Erickson, R.A., Fienen, M.N., McCalla, S.G., Weiser, E.L., Bower, M.L., Knudson, J.M., and Thain, G., 2018, Wrangling distributed computing for high-throughput environmental science: An introduction to HTCondor. PLOS Computational Biology 14(10): e1006468. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006468
SOFTWARE DEVELOPED:
- Doherty, J., and Hunt, R.J., 2009, Two statistics for evaluating parameter identifiability and error reduction. Journal of Hydrology 366: 119-127.
- Westenbroek, S.M., Kelson, V.A., Dripps, W.R., Hunt, R.J., and Bradbury, K.R., 2010, SWB—A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 6–A31, 60 p.
- Fienen, M.N., Kunicki, T.C., and Kester, D.E., 2011, cloudPEST – A python module for cloud-computing deployment of PEST, a program for parameter estimation. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011-1062, 22 p.
- Westenbroek, S.M., Doherty, J.E., Walker, J.F., Kelson, V.A., Hunt, R.J., and Cera, T.B., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: TSPROC, A General Time-Series Processor to Assist in Model Calibration and Result Summarization. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C7, 73 p.
- Welter, D.E., Doherty, J.E., Hunt, R.J., Muffels, C.T., Tonkin, M.J., and Schreüder, W.A., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: PEST++, A Parameter ESTimation Code Optimized For Large Environmental Models. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C5, 47 p.
- Muffels, C.T., Schreüder, W.A., Doherty, J.E., Karanovic, M., Tonkin, M.J., Hunt, R.J., and Welter, D.E., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: GENIE, A General Model-Independent TCP/IP Run Manager. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C6, 26 p.
- Karanovic, M., Muffels, C.T., Tonkin, M.J., and Hunt, R.J., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: PESTCommander, A Graphical User Interface for File and Run Management Across Networks. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C8, 9 p.
- Fienen, M.N., D’Oria, Marco, Doherty, J.E., and Hunt, R.J., 2013, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion: bgaPEST, a Bayesian geostatistical approach implementation with PEST—Documentation and instructions: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C9, 86 p.
- Welter, D.E., White, J.T., Hunt, R.J., and Doherty, J.E. , 2015, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C12, 54 p.
- Muffels, C.T., Hayes, D.A., Tonkin, M.J., and Hunt, R.J., 2015, GENIE Version 2 – A General Model-Independent TCP/IP Run: pp. 24-37 in Welter, D.E., White, J.T., Hunt, R.J., and Doherty, J.E., 2015, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C12, 54 p.
- White, J.T., Fienen, M.N., and Doherty, J.E., 2016, A python framework for environmental model uncertainty analysis. Environmental Modelling and Software 85, p. 217-228. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.08.017
- White, J. T., Fienen, M. N., Barlow, P. M., and Welter, D.E., 2017, A tool for efficient, model-independent management optimization under uncertainty. Environmental Modeling and Software. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2017.11.019
- Westenbroek, S.M., Engott, J.A., Kelson, V.A., and Hunt, R.J., 2018, SWB Version 2.0—A soil-water-balance code for estimating net infiltration and other water-budget components: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 6, chap. A59, 118 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6A59
Below are publications associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.
Evaluating the sources of water to wells: Three techniques for metamodeling of a groundwater flow model
Potential effects of alterations to the hydrologic system on the distribution of salinity in the Biscayne aquifer in Broward County, Florida
Testing the suitability of geologic frameworks for extrapolating hydraulic properties across regional scales
A semi-structured MODFLOW-USG model to evaluate local water sources to wells for decision support
Predicting recreational water quality advisories: A comparison of statistical methods
A statistical learning framework for groundwater nitrate models of the Central Valley, California, USA
Groundwater/surface-water interactions in the Bad River Watershed, Wisconsin
Groundwater availability of the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
Approaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models
Water-budgets and recharge-area simulations for the Spring Creek and Nittany Creek Basins and parts of the Spruce Creek Basin, Centre and Huntingdon Counties, Pennsylvania, Water Years 2000–06
Metamodels to bridge the gap between modeling and decision support
Potential groundwater recharge for the State of Minnesota using the Soil-Water-Balance model, 1996-2010
Below are data or web applications associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.
Below are partners associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.
- Overview
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center provides one-stop access to advanced computing so no project is limited by a lack of computer power. The Center can provide hardware access, assistance with migration and implementation, and training. We also develop, test, and disseminate state-of-the-art computational and analytical techniques and tools so models can be more effectively used in decision-making.
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center is a founding partner of the USGS Advanced Computing Cooperative (ACC). The ACC provides one-stop access to advanced computing so that no work is limited by a lack of computer power. The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center is funded in part by the Core Science Systems Mission Area of the USGS to provide access to computer hardware and assistance for moving problems from local desktops to larger systems. Depending on the needs of the modeler, assistance can include implementing powerful new computational and analytical techniques, and training others in the skills needed for future modeling projects. Within the larger ACC, the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center also develops, tests, and disseminates state-of-the-art techniques and tools so that models are more effectively applied to today’s decision-making. Use the contact information on the overview tab to start the process to move your problem to advanced computing.
Problem
Modeling has become the language of quantitative scientific problem solving. Yet increases in computing power, parallel computing, and the availability of diverse sources of data have increased the complexity of models, and training on these new capabilities has not kept pace. As a result, it has become impractical for practitioners to develop expertise in the wide-ranging aspects of parallel computing, software customization, modeling, calibration, and uncertainty analysis.Objectives
- Provide advanced computing assistance to modelers to implement powerful new computational and analytical techniques
- Provide training to others so they can gain the skills necessary to apply to their projects in the future
- Develop, implement, and disseminate state-of-the-art techniques and tools so that models are more effectively applied to today’s decision-making
Examples of Advanced Computing
A complex natural world means that there can never be certain that a simple representation such as a model captures its important characteristics. One way to handle uncertainty is to run a model many times where each run has slightly different model input. When finished, the runs can be summarized to identify which outcomes are likely and which are not. Likewise, visualization of model results can be importing for efficiently conveying what the many hours of model runs produced. Examples of these types of advanced computing outputs are shown here.
The TC Chamberlin Modeling Center has assisted projects throughout the world, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the Great Lakes Basin, Native American tribes, Australia, Denmark, and Canada. Past work focuses primarily on water issues but also includes a range of models - from temperature to pathogens to populations. Examples of some of this work are shown in the figures on the right, along with some of our key publications.
BOOKS:
- Anderson, M.P., Woessner, W.W. and Hunt, R.J., 2015, Applied Groundwater Modeling: Simulation of Flow and Advective Transport (2nd Edition). Academic Press, Inc. 564 p. ISBN 9780120581030.
- Jakeman, A.J., Barreteau, O., Hunt, R.J., Rinaudo, J-D., and Ross, A., (editors) 2016, Integrated Groundwater Management: Concepts, Approaches, Challenges. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 953 p. ISBN 978-3-319-23575-2.
GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTED PRACTICES:
- Hunt, R.J., Anderson, M.P., and Kelson, V.A., 1998, Improving a complex finite difference groundwater-flow model through the use of an analytic element screening model. Groundwater 36(6), p.1011-1017.
- Anderson, M.P., Hunt, R.J., Krohelski, J.T., and Chung, K., 2002, Using high hydraulic conductivity nodes to simulate seepage lakes. Groundwater 40(2): 119-124.
- Kelson, V.A., Hunt, R.J., and Haitjema, H.M., 2002, Improving a regional model using reduced complexity and parameter estimation. Groundwater 40(2), p. 138-149.
- Hunt, R.J., Haitjema, H.M., Krohelski, J.T., and Feinstein, D.T., 2003, Simulating ground water-lake interactions: Approaches and insights, Groundwater 41(2): 227-237.
- Feinstein, D.T., Hart, D.J., and Krohelski, J.T., 2004, The value of long-term monitoring in the development of ground-water-flow models: USGS Fact Sheet 116-03, 4 p.
- Hunt, R.J., Doherty, J., and Tonkin, M.J., 2007, Are models too simple? Arguments for increased parameterization. Groundwater 45(3): 254-263.
- Hunt, R.J., Prudic, D.E., Walker, J.F., and Anderson, M.P., 2008, Importance of unsaturated zone flow for simulating recharge in a humid climate. Groundwater 46(4):551-560.
- Fienen, M.N., Muffels, C.T., and Hunt, R.J., 2009, On constraining pilot point calibration with regularization in PEST. Groundwater 47(6): 835-844.
- Hunt, R.J., Luchette, J., Schreüder, W.A., Rumbaugh, J.O., Doherty, J., Tonkin, M.J., and Rumbaugh, D.B., 2010a, Using a Cloud to replenish parched groundwater modeling efforts. Groundwater 48(3): 360-365.
- Fienen, M.N., Doherty, J.E., Hunt, R.J., and Reeves, H.W., 2010, Using prediction uncertainty analysis to design hydrologic monitoring networks—Example applications from the Great Lakes Water Availability Pilot Project: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5159, 44 p.
- Doherty, J., Fienen, M.N., and Hunt, R.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: Pilot-point theory, guidelines, and research directions: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5168, 36 p.
- Doherty, J., and Hunt, R.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: A Guide to Using PEST for Groundwater-Model Calibration. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5169, 59 p.
- Doherty, J., Hunt, R.J., and Tonkin, M.J., 2010, Approaches to Highly Parameterized Inversion: A Guide to Using PEST for Model-Parameter and Predictive-Uncertainty Analysis. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5211, 71 p.
- Barnett, B., Townley, L.R., Post, V., Evans, R.E., Hunt, R.J., Peeters, L., Richardson, S., Werner, A.D., Knapton, A. and Boronkay, A., 2012, Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines. Waterlines Report Series No. 82, National Water Commission, Canberra, Australia. 191 p. ISBN: 978-1-921853-91-3.
- Hunt, R.J., 2012, Uncertainty, pp. 92-105 in Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines. Waterlines Report Series No. 82, National Water Commission, Canberra, Australia. 191 p. ISBN: 978-1-921853-91-3.
- Fienen, M.N., and Hunt, R.J., 2015, High-Throughput Computing vs. High-Performance Computing for groundwater applications. Groundwater 53(2), p. 180-184. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12320.
- Hunt, R.J., 2017, Applied uncertainty. Groundwater 55(6), p. 771-772. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gwat.12604
- Erickson, R.A., Fienen, M.N., McCalla, S.G., Weiser, E.L., Bower, M.L., Knudson, J.M., and Thain, G., 2018, Wrangling distributed computing for high-throughput environmental science: An introduction to HTCondor. PLOS Computational Biology 14(10): e1006468. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006468
SOFTWARE DEVELOPED:
- Doherty, J., and Hunt, R.J., 2009, Two statistics for evaluating parameter identifiability and error reduction. Journal of Hydrology 366: 119-127.
- Westenbroek, S.M., Kelson, V.A., Dripps, W.R., Hunt, R.J., and Bradbury, K.R., 2010, SWB—A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 6–A31, 60 p.
- Fienen, M.N., Kunicki, T.C., and Kester, D.E., 2011, cloudPEST – A python module for cloud-computing deployment of PEST, a program for parameter estimation. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011-1062, 22 p.
- Westenbroek, S.M., Doherty, J.E., Walker, J.F., Kelson, V.A., Hunt, R.J., and Cera, T.B., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: TSPROC, A General Time-Series Processor to Assist in Model Calibration and Result Summarization. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C7, 73 p.
- Welter, D.E., Doherty, J.E., Hunt, R.J., Muffels, C.T., Tonkin, M.J., and Schreüder, W.A., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: PEST++, A Parameter ESTimation Code Optimized For Large Environmental Models. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C5, 47 p.
- Muffels, C.T., Schreüder, W.A., Doherty, J.E., Karanovic, M., Tonkin, M.J., Hunt, R.J., and Welter, D.E., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: GENIE, A General Model-Independent TCP/IP Run Manager. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C6, 26 p.
- Karanovic, M., Muffels, C.T., Tonkin, M.J., and Hunt, R.J., 2012, Approaches in Highly Parameterized Inversion: PESTCommander, A Graphical User Interface for File and Run Management Across Networks. U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C8, 9 p.
- Fienen, M.N., D’Oria, Marco, Doherty, J.E., and Hunt, R.J., 2013, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion: bgaPEST, a Bayesian geostatistical approach implementation with PEST—Documentation and instructions: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C9, 86 p.
- Welter, D.E., White, J.T., Hunt, R.J., and Doherty, J.E. , 2015, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C12, 54 p.
- Muffels, C.T., Hayes, D.A., Tonkin, M.J., and Hunt, R.J., 2015, GENIE Version 2 – A General Model-Independent TCP/IP Run: pp. 24-37 in Welter, D.E., White, J.T., Hunt, R.J., and Doherty, J.E., 2015, Approaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, Book 7, Section C12, 54 p.
- White, J.T., Fienen, M.N., and Doherty, J.E., 2016, A python framework for environmental model uncertainty analysis. Environmental Modelling and Software 85, p. 217-228. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.08.017
- White, J. T., Fienen, M. N., Barlow, P. M., and Welter, D.E., 2017, A tool for efficient, model-independent management optimization under uncertainty. Environmental Modeling and Software. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2017.11.019
- Westenbroek, S.M., Engott, J.A., Kelson, V.A., and Hunt, R.J., 2018, SWB Version 2.0—A soil-water-balance code for estimating net infiltration and other water-budget components: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 6, chap. A59, 118 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6A59
- Publications
Below are publications associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.
Filter Total Items: 115Evaluating the sources of water to wells: Three techniques for metamodeling of a groundwater flow model
For decision support, the insights and predictive power of numerical process models can be hampered by insufficient expertise and computational resources required to evaluate system response to new stresses. An alternative is to emulate the process model with a statistical “metamodel.” Built on a dataset of collocated numerical model input and output, a groundwater flow model was emulated using aAuthorsMichael N. Fienen, Bernard T. Nolan, Daniel T. FeinsteinPotential effects of alterations to the hydrologic system on the distribution of salinity in the Biscayne aquifer in Broward County, Florida
To address concerns about the effects of water-resource management practices and rising sea level on saltwater intrusion, the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Broward County Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, initiated a study to examine causes of saltwater intrusion and predict the effects of future alterations to the hydrologic system on salinity distributionAuthorsJoseph D. Hughes, Dorothy F. Sifuentes, Jeremy T. WhiteTesting the suitability of geologic frameworks for extrapolating hydraulic properties across regional scales
The suitability of geologic frameworks for extrapolating hydraulic conductivity (K) to length scales commensurate with hydraulic data is difficult to assess. A novel method is presented for evaluating assumed relations between K and geologic interpretations for regional-scale groundwater modeling. The approach relies on simultaneous interpretation of multiple aquifer tests using alternative geologAuthorsBenjamin B. Mirus, Keith J. Halford, Donald S. Sweetkind, Joseph M. FenelonA semi-structured MODFLOW-USG model to evaluate local water sources to wells for decision support
In order to better represent the configuration of the stream network and simulate local groundwater-surface water interactions, a version of MODFLOW with refined spacing in the topmost layer was applied to a Lake Michigan Basin (LMB) regional groundwater-flow model developed by the U.S. Geological. Regional MODFLOW models commonly use coarse grids over large areas; this coarse spacing precludes moAuthorsDaniel T. Feinstein, Michael N. Fienen, Howard W. Reeves, Christian D. LangevinPredicting recreational water quality advisories: A comparison of statistical methods
Epidemiological studies indicate that fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in beach water are associated with illnesses among people having contact with the water. In order to mitigate public health impacts, many beaches are posted with an advisory when the concentration of FIB exceeds a beach action value. The most commonly used method of measuring FIB concentration takes 18–24 h before returning a resAuthorsWesley R. Brooks, Steven R. Corsi, Michael N. Fienen, Rebecca B. CarvinA statistical learning framework for groundwater nitrate models of the Central Valley, California, USA
We used a statistical learning framework to evaluate the ability of three machine-learning methods to predict nitrate concentration in shallow groundwater of the Central Valley, California: boosted regression trees (BRT), artificial neural networks (ANN), and Bayesian networks (BN). Machine learning methods can learn complex patterns in the data but because of overfitting may not generalize well tAuthorsBernard T. Nolan, Michael N. Fienen, David L. LorenzGroundwater/surface-water interactions in the Bad River Watershed, Wisconsin
A groundwater-flow model was developed for the Bad River Watershed and surrounding area by using the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) finite-difference code MODFLOW-NWT. The model simulates steady-state groundwater-flow and base flow in streams by using the streamflow routing (SFR) package. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop an improved understanding of the groundwater-flow system in tAuthorsAndrew T. Leaf, Michael N. Fienen, Randall J. Hunt, Cheryl A. BuchwaldGroundwater availability of the Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho
The Columbia Plateau Regional Aquifer System (CPRAS) covers about 44,000 square miles of southeastern Washington, northeastern Oregon, and western Idaho. The area supports a $6-billion per year agricultural industry, leading the Nation in production of apples, hops, and eight other commodities. Groundwater pumpage and surface-water diversions supply water to croplands that account for about 5 percAuthorsJ. J. Vaccaro, S. C. Kahle, D.M. Ely, E.R. Burns, D.T. Snyder, J.V. Haynes, T. D. Olsen, W.B. Welch, D. S. MorganApproaches in highly parameterized inversion—PEST++ Version 3, a Parameter ESTimation and uncertainty analysis software suite optimized for large environmental models
The PEST++ Version 1 object-oriented parameter estimation code is here extended to Version 3 to incorporate additional algorithms and tools to further improve support for large and complex environmental modeling problems. PEST++ Version 3 includes the Gauss-Marquardt-Levenberg (GML) algorithm for nonlinear parameter estimation, Tikhonov regularization, integrated linear-based uncertainty quantificAuthorsDavid E. Welter, Jeremy T. White, Randall J. Hunt, John E. DohertyWater-budgets and recharge-area simulations for the Spring Creek and Nittany Creek Basins and parts of the Spruce Creek Basin, Centre and Huntingdon Counties, Pennsylvania, Water Years 2000–06
This report describes the results of a study by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with ClearWater Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to develop a hydrologic model to simulate a water budget and identify areas of greater than average recharge for the Spring Creek Basin in central Pennsylvania. The model was developed to help policy makers, natural resourAuthorsJohn W. Fulton, Dennis W. Risser, R. Steve Regan, John F. Walker, Randall J. Hunt, Richard G. Niswonger, Scott A. Hoffman, Steven L. MarkstromMetamodels to bridge the gap between modeling and decision support
No abstract available.AuthorsMichael N. Fienen, Bernard T. Nolan, Daniel T. Feinstein, J. Jeffrey StarnPotential groundwater recharge for the State of Minnesota using the Soil-Water-Balance model, 1996-2010
Groundwater recharge is one of the most difficult components of a water budget to ascertain, yet is an important boundary condition necessary for the quantification of water resources. In Minnesota, improved estimates of recharge are necessary because approximately 75 percent of drinking water and 90 percent of agricultural irrigation water in Minnesota are supplied from groundwater. The water thaAuthorsErik A. Smith, Stephen M. Westenbroek - Web Tools
Below are data or web applications associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.
- Partners
Below are partners associated with the TC Chamberlin Modeling Center.