SUTRA: A Model for 2D or 3D Saturated-Unsaturated, Variable-Density Ground-Water Flow With Solute or Energy Transport

Overview of SUTRA

Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

SUTRA is a finite-element-based simulator for saturated-unsaturated, variable-density ground-water flow with solute or energy transport.  Features include flexible gridding in both 2D and 3D simulations, convenient incorporation of input data from separate files, “generalized” boundary conditions, schedules for controlling time stepping and the timing of boundary conditions and output, and a lake capability. Version 4.0 introduces a freeze-thaw capability, user-selectable saturation and relative-permeability relations, spatial variation of properties that were previously uniform, and enhanced budget and velocity outputs.

Download Current Version of SUTRA

Use the links below or the "View Software Release" button near the top of this page to download the installation (zip and exe) files for SUTRA. The current version is 4.0.0. When installing the code-distribution and examples files, it is recommended to do so such that the "examples" folder falls directly under the top-level "SutraSuite" folder, where the "bin," "documentation," and "source" folders also reside. To assemble a complete set of example problems, download and install all three "Examples" files below.

Version 4.0.0

• SUTRA 4.0.0 Release Notes
• Source code, documentation, and executable for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems
• Examples for Version 4.0.0
• Examples from Version 3.0 distribution
• Examples from Version 2.2 distribution

Although it is strongly recommended to use the latest version of SUTRA whenever possible, previous versions of SUTRA can be accessed using the "View Software Release" button near the top of this page.

Documentation for SUTRA

The SutraSuite Online User Reference web site provides a convenient, interactive source of information about theoretical and practical aspects of SUTRA simulation. It includes news, advice on how to get started using SutraSuite, an overview of the software, a gallery of SUTRA simulation results, answers to frequently asked questions, a glossary, in-depth discussions of selected topics, and technical support information, including a troubleshooting guide.

The documentation listed below is included with its respective software download.  It can be downloaded separately using the links below.

Version 4.0

Voss, C.I., Provost, A.M., McKenzie, J.M., and Kurylyk, B.L., 2024, SUTRA—A code for simulation of saturated-unsaturated, variable-density groundwater flow with solute or energy transport—Documentation of the version 4.0 enhancements—Freeze-thaw capability, saturation and relative-permeability relations, spatially varying properties, and enhanced budget and velocity outputs: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and
Methods, book 6, chap. A63, 91 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6A63

Version 3.0

Provost, A.M., and Voss, C.I., 2019, SUTRA, a model for saturated-unsaturated, variable-density groundwater flow with solute or energy transport—Documentation of generalized boundary conditions, a modified implementation of specified pressures and concentrations or temperatures, and the lake capability: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 6, chap. A52, 62 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6A52

Version 2.2

Voss, C. I., and Provost, A.M., 2002 (Version of September 22, 2010), SUTRA, A model for saturated-unsaturated variable-density ground-water flow with solute or energy transport, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4231, 291 p.

Version 2.1

Voss, C. I., and Provost, A.M., 2002 (Version of June 2, 2008), SUTRA, A model for saturated-unsaturated variable-density ground-water flow with solute or energy transport, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4231, 270 p.

Version 2.0 (2D3D.1)

Voss, C. I., and Provost, A.M., 2002, SUTRA, A model for saturated-unsaturated variable-density ground-water flow with solute or energy transport, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4231, 250 p.

Programs Related to SUTRA

• ModelMuse
• SutraGUI
• SutraPlot
• SutraPrep
• Model Viewer
• GW_Chart