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.
On constraining pilot point calibration with regularization in PEST
Using a coupled groundwater/surfacewater model to predict climate-change impacts to lakes in the Trout Lake watershed, Northern Wisconsin
Two statistics for evaluating parameter identifiability and error reduction
Obtaining parsimonious hydraulic conductivity fields using head and transport observations: A Bayesian geostatistical parameter estimation approach
Simulation of contributing areas and surface-water leakage to potential replacement wells near the community of New Post, Sawyer County, Wisconsin, by means of a two-dimensional ground-water flow model
An interactive Bayesian geostatistical inverse protocol for hydraulic tomography
Importance of unsaturated zone flow for simulating recharge in a humid climate
Ground-Water Flow in the Vicinity of the Ho-Chunk Nation Communities of Indian Mission and Sand Pillow, Jackson County, Wisconsin
Evaluating the effects of nearshore development on Wisconsin Lakes
Development and application of a screening model for simulating regional ground-water flow in the St. Croix River basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin
The vertical hydraulic conductivity of an aquitard at two spatial scales
Scale effects of hydrostratigraphy and recharge zonation on base flow
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: 115On constraining pilot point calibration with regularization in PEST
Ground water model calibration has made great advances in recent years with practical tools such as PEST being instrumental for making the latest techniques available to practitioners. As models and calibration tools get more sophisticated, however, the power of these tools can be misapplied, resulting in poor parameter estimates and/or nonoptimally calibrated models that do not suit their intendeAuthorsM.N. Fienen, C.T. Muffels, R. J. HuntUsing a coupled groundwater/surfacewater model to predict climate-change impacts to lakes in the Trout Lake watershed, Northern Wisconsin
A major focus of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Trout Lake Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets (WEBB) project is the development of a watershed model to allow predictions of hydrologic response to future conditions including land-use and climate change. The coupled groundwater/surface-water model GSFLOW was chosen for this purpose because it could easily incorporate an existing groundwater floAuthorsJohn F. Walker, Randall J. Hunt, Steven L. Markstrom, Lauren E. Hay, John DohertyTwo statistics for evaluating parameter identifiability and error reduction
Two statistics are presented that can be used to rank input parameters utilized by a model in terms of their relative identifiability based on a given or possible future calibration dataset. Identifiability is defined here as the capability of model calibration to constrain parameters used by a model. Both statistics require that the sensitivity of each model parameter be calculated for each modelAuthorsJohn Doherty, Randall J. HuntObtaining parsimonious hydraulic conductivity fields using head and transport observations: A Bayesian geostatistical parameter estimation approach
Flow path delineation is a valuable tool for interpreting the subsurface hydrogeochemical environment. Different types of data, such as groundwater flow and transport, inform different aspects of hydrogeologic parameter values (hydraulic conductivity in this case) which, in turn, determine flow paths. This work combines flow and transport information to estimate a unified set of hydrogeologic paraAuthorsMichael N. Fienen, R. Hunt, D. Krabbenhoft, T. ClemoSimulation of contributing areas and surface-water leakage to potential replacement wells near the community of New Post, Sawyer County, Wisconsin, by means of a two-dimensional ground-water flow model
A two-dimensional, steady-state ground-water-flow model of the shallow ground-water-flow system near the community of New Post, Sawyer County, Wis., was refined from an existing model of the area. Hydraulic-conductivity and recharge values were not changed from the existing model for the scenario simulations described in this report. Rather, the model was refined by adding detail along the ChippewAuthorsPaul F. Juckem, Randall J. HuntAn interactive Bayesian geostatistical inverse protocol for hydraulic tomography
Hydraulic tomography is a powerful technique for characterizing heterogeneous hydrogeologic parameters. An explicit trade-off between characterization based on measurement misfit and subjective characterization using prior information is presented. We apply a Bayesian geostatistical inverse approach that is well suited to accommodate a flexible model with the level of complexity driven by the dataAuthorsMichael N. Fienen, Tom Clemo, Peter K. KitanidisImportance of unsaturated zone flow for simulating recharge in a humid climate
Transient recharge to the water table is often not well understood or quantified. Two approaches for simulating transient recharge in a ground water flow model were investigated using the Trout Lake watershed in north-central Wisconsin: (1) a traditional approach of adding recharge directly to the water table and (2) routing the same volume of water through an unsaturated zone column to the waterAuthorsR. J. Hunt, David E. Prudic, J.F. Walker, M.P. AndersonGround-Water Flow in the Vicinity of the Ho-Chunk Nation Communities of Indian Mission and Sand Pillow, Jackson County, Wisconsin
An analytic element ground-water-flow model was constructed to help understand the ground-water-flow system in the vicinity of the Ho-Chunk Nation communities of Indian Mission and Sand Pillow in Jackson County, Wisconsin. Data from interpretive reports, well-drillers' construction reports, and an exploratory augering program in 2003 indicate that sand and gravel of varying thickness (0-150 feet[fAuthorsCharles P. Dunning, Gregory D. Mueller, Paul F. JuckemEvaluating the effects of nearshore development on Wisconsin Lakes
No abstract available.AuthorsRandall J. Hunt, Steven R. Greb, David J. GraczykDevelopment and application of a screening model for simulating regional ground-water flow in the St. Croix River basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin
A series of databases and an accompanying screening model were constructed by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, to better understand the regional ground-water-flow system and its relation to stream drainage in the St. Croix River Basin. The St. Croix River and its tributaries drain about 8,000 square miles in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern WisconsiAuthorsDaniel T. Feinstein, Cheryl A. Buchwald, Charles P. Dunning, Randall J. HuntThe vertical hydraulic conductivity of an aquitard at two spatial scales
Aquitards protect underlying aquifers from contaminants and limit recharge to those aquifers. Understanding the mechanisms and quantity of ground water flow across aquitards to underlying aquifers is essential for ground water planning and assessment. We present results of laboratory testing for shale hydraulic conductivities, a methodology for determining the vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv)AuthorsD.J. Hart, K. R. Bradbury, D. T. FeinsteinScale effects of hydrostratigraphy and recharge zonation on base flow
Uncertainty regarding spatial variations of model parameters often results in the simplifying assumption that parameters are spatially uniform. However, spatial variability may be important in resource assessment and model calibration. In this paper, a methodology is presented for estimating a critical basin size, above which base flows appear to be relatively less sensitive to the spatial distribAuthorsP. F. Juckem, R. J. Hunt, M.P. Anderson - 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.