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.
Regional groundwater-flow model of the Lake Michigan Basin in support of Great Lakes Basin water availability and use studies
Simulation of groundwater flow and effects of groundwater irrigation on stream base flow in the Elkhorn and Loup River basins, Nebraska, 1895-2055: Phase Two
Using prediction uncertainty analysis to design hydrologic monitoring networks: Example applications from the Great Lakes water availability pilot project
SWB: A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge
Simulation of the shallow groundwater-flow system near the Hayward Airport, Sawyer County, Wisconsin
A model for evaluating stream temperature response to climate change scenarios in Wisconsin
Approaches to highly parameterized inversion: A guide to using PEST for model-parameter and predictive-uncertainty analysis
Using a cloud to replenish parched groundwater modeling efforts
The Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study (MERAS): Documentation of a groundwater-flow model constructed to assess water availability in the Mississippi embayment
Simulation of the Groundwater-Flow System in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin
Simulation of the Regional Ground-Water-Flow System and Ground-Water/Surface-Water Interaction in the Rock River Basin, Wisconsin
Hypothetical Modeling of Redox Conditions Within a Complex Ground-Water Flow Field in a Glacial Setting
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: 115Regional groundwater-flow model of the Lake Michigan Basin in support of Great Lakes Basin water availability and use studies
A regional groundwater-flow model of the Lake Michigan Basin and surrounding areas has been developed in support of the Great Lakes Basin Pilot project under the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Availability and Use Program. The transient 2-million-cell model incorporates multiple aquifers and pumping centers that create water-level drawdown that extends into deep saline waters. The 20-layeAuthorsD. T. Feinstein, R. J. Hunt, H. W. ReevesSimulation of groundwater flow and effects of groundwater irrigation on stream base flow in the Elkhorn and Loup River basins, Nebraska, 1895-2055: Phase Two
Regional groundwater-flow simulations for a 30,000-square-mile area of the High Plains aquifer, referred to collectively as the Elkhorn-Loup Model, were developed to predict the effects of groundwater irrigation on stream base flow in the Elkhorn and Loup River Basins, Nebraska. Simulations described the stream-aquifer system from predevelopment through 2005 [including predevelopment (pre-1895), eAuthorsJennifer S. Stanton, Steven M. Peterson, Michael N. FienenUsing prediction uncertainty analysis to design hydrologic monitoring networks: Example applications from the Great Lakes water availability pilot project
The importance of monitoring networks for resource-management decisions is becoming more recognized, in both theory and application. Quantitative computer models provide a science-based framework to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of existing and possible future monitoring networks. In the study described herein, two suites of tools were used to evaluate the worth of new data for specific preAuthorsMichael N. Fienen, John E. Doherty, Randall J. Hunt, Howard W. ReevesSWB: A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge
A Soil-Water-Balance (SWB) computer code has been developed to calculate spatial and temporal variations in groundwater recharge. The SWB model calculates recharge by use of commonly available geographic information system (GIS) data layers in combination with tabular climatological data. The code is based on a modified Thornthwaite-Mather soil-water-balance approach, with components of the soil-wAuthorsS. M. Westenbroek, V. A. Kelson, W. R. Dripps, R. J. Hunt, K. R. BradburySimulation of the shallow groundwater-flow system near the Hayward Airport, Sawyer County, Wisconsin
There are concerns that removal and trimming of vegetation during expansion of the Hayward Airport in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, could appreciably change the character of a nearby cold-water stream and its adjacent environs. In cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, a two-dimensional, steady-state groundwater-flow model of the shallow groundwater-flow system near the Hayward AAuthorsRandall J. Hunt, Paul F. Juckem, Charles P. DunningA model for evaluating stream temperature response to climate change scenarios in Wisconsin
Global climate change is expected to alter temperature and flow regimes for streams in Wisconsin over the coming decades. Stream temperature will be influenced not only by the predicted increases in average air temperature, but also by changes in baseflow due to changes in precipitation patterns and amounts. In order to evaluate future stream temperature and flow regimes in Wisconsin, we have inteAuthorsStephen M. Westenbroek, Jana S. Stewart, Cheryl A. Buchwald, Matthew G. Mitro, John D. Lyons, Steven GrebApproaches to highly parameterized inversion: A guide to using PEST for model-parameter and predictive-uncertainty analysis
Analysis of the uncertainty associated with parameters used by a numerical model, and with predictions that depend on those parameters, is fundamental to the use of modeling in support of decisionmaking. Unfortunately, predictive uncertainty analysis with regard to models can be very computationally demanding, due in part to complex constraints on parameters that arise from expert knowledge of sysAuthorsJohn E. Doherty, Randall J. Hunt, Matthew J. TonkinUsing a cloud to replenish parched groundwater modeling efforts
Groundwater models can be improved by introduction of additional parameter flexibility and simultaneous use of soft-knowledge. However, these sophisticated approaches have high computational requirements. Cloud computing provides unprecedented access to computing power via the Internet to facilitate the use of these techniques. A modeler can create, launch, and terminate “virtual” computers as neeAuthorsRandall J. Hunt, Joseph Luchette, Willem A. Schreuder, James O. Rumbaugh, John Doherty, Matthew J. Tonkin, Douglas B. RumbaughThe Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study (MERAS): Documentation of a groundwater-flow model constructed to assess water availability in the Mississippi embayment
The Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study (MERAS) was conducted with support from the Groundwater Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey Office of Groundwater. This report documents the construction and calibration of a finite-difference groundwater model for use as a tool to quantify groundwater availability within the Mississippi embayment. To approximate the differential equatioAuthorsBrian R. Clark, Rheannon M. HartSimulation of the Groundwater-Flow System in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin
Groundwater is the sole source of residential water supply in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties, Wisconsin. A regional three-dimensional groundwater-flow model and three associated demonstration inset models were developed to simulate the groundwater-flow systems in the three-county area. The models were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the three county governments. TAuthorsPaul F. JuckemSimulation of the Regional Ground-Water-Flow System and Ground-Water/Surface-Water Interaction in the Rock River Basin, Wisconsin
A regional, two-dimensional, areal ground-water-flow model was developed to simulate the ground-water-flow system and ground-water/surface-water interaction in the Rock River Basin. The model was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Rock River Coalition. The objectives of the regional model were to improve understanding of the ground-water-flow system and to deveAuthorsPaul F. JuckemHypothetical Modeling of Redox Conditions Within a Complex Ground-Water Flow Field in a Glacial Setting
This report describes a modeling approach for studying how redox conditions evolve under the influence of a complex ground-water flow field. The distribution of redox conditions within a flow system is of interest because of the intrinsic susceptibility of an aquifer to redox-sensitive, naturally occurring contaminants - such as arsenic - as well as anthropogenic contaminants - such as chlorinatedAuthorsDaniel T. Feinstein, Mary Ann Thomas - Web Tools
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