Groundwater high spatial variability between the coupled and non-coupled with MODFLOW
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Introduction
Groundwater modeling is crucial for understanding and managing water resources, especially in regions with high spatial variability. Coupling large-scale hydrological models with groundwater flow models like MODFLOW can provide more accurate simulations of groundwater dynamics. This synthesis examines the spatial variability of groundwater when using coupled versus non-coupled models with MODFLOW.
Key Insights
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Impact of Grid Resolution on Water Table Depth:
- The grid resolution significantly affects water table depth bias, with finer resolutions providing more accurate simulations of water table fluctuations and depths.
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Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions:
- Coupled models like SWAT-MODFLOW can effectively simulate complex interactions between surface water and groundwater, such as groundwater recharge from drainage networks and discharge towards streams.
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Groundwater Pumping and Evapotranspiration:
- Coupled models can assess the impact of groundwater-based irrigation pumping on evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge, providing a more comprehensive understanding of water table dynamics.
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Calibration and Validation of Coupled Models:
- Independent calibration of surface and groundwater models followed by recalibration of the coupled model improves the accuracy of streamflow and groundwater head simulations.
Conclusion
Coupling large-scale hydrological models with groundwater flow models like MODFLOW enhances the accuracy of groundwater simulations by addressing spatial variability more effectively. Key factors such as grid resolution, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the impact of groundwater pumping are better represented in coupled models, leading to more reliable water resource management strategies.
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