With summer in the rear-view mirror and cooler temperatures approaching, there’s never been a better time to hunker down and get back to the basics of AnAqSim with the flexAEM AnAqSim Instructional Series! In this post we highlight Exercise Set 8, which provides an in-depth look at the key AnAqSim features and tools for constructing groundwater models and analyzing model results. Topics covered in the series include:
- Working with Data Grids
- Solver Settings and Checks
- Model Inspector Tools
- Analysis Tools
- Digitizing Tools
- Editing XML Model Input files
- Exporting Model Data and Graphic results
Although Set 8 explores all these tools and features in
detail, there are several in particular that are useful when building models
and analyzing results in AnAqSim.
Inspector Tools
The model inspector tools (which are displayed along the
left side of the plot view window – see diagram below) allow you to explore flow
system conditions at any model location such as saturated thickness, head,
specific discharge, layer-to-layer leakage and many more. As you move the
cursor over the model, parameters are updated based on the cursor location and
current model solution.
Model Inspector Tool displaying parameters of the model
Digitizing Tools
One of the most common ways to begin constructing a model is
by importing a basemap and using AnAqSim’s Digitization tools to digitize key
features in your model, such as domain boundaries, monitoring wells, lakes and
streams, or other internal line boundaries (e.g., an extraction trench
associated with a groundwater remediation system). These tools can also be used
to accurately position pathline starting locations along lines or within areas.
AnAqSim provides instructions on how to digitize any shape, which makes it easy
to build any features needed in model construction.
Analysis Tools
AnAqSim’s suite of analysis tools allow the user to develop
models with ease, explore model results, and gain important information from
the model. For instance, the Graph
Conditions Along a Line feature allows you to create graphs of head, domain
elevations, interface elevations, aquifer discharge, or extraction rates along
a line chosen by the user. These graphs are useful to view how pathlines will
move through the model, check a head profile over a boundary, or check to see
if the model is functioning properly. Additional analysis tools allow modelers
to create plots of head or drawdown hydrographs, plots of boundary discharges,
and plots that display calibration results for the current model solutions.
Graph output from Graph Condition Along a Line tool displaying pathlines, head levels, and domain boundaries.
AnAqSim Instructional Series Exercise Set 8 is a great way
to learn how to use these tools and learn helpful tips on model construction (e.g.
proper solver settings and editing of XML input files if necessary) to make the
best use of AnAqSim’s capabilities.
For further information on the instructional series, or if
you would like to purchase the series, please visit flexaem.com.
