AnAqSim Instructional Series Set 8!

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.