Taking advantage of the recent developments in
computer technology, contaminant transport modeling, and numerical simulation
techniques, Dr. Li and his research team have recently developed a
sophisticated combined research and educational software environment for
unified deterministic and stochastic groundwater modeling. Based on a set of
new efficient and robust computational algorithms, the software allows
simulating complex flow and transport in aquifers subject to both systematic
and "randomly" varying stresses and geological and chemical
heterogeneity. Adopting a new programming paradigm, the software eliminates a
major bottleneck inherent in the fragmented traditional modeling technologies
and allows fully utilizing today’s dramatically increased computer processing
power. For the first time, the software enables real-time groundwater modeling,
real-time visualization, real-time analysis, and real-time presentation.
Specifically, the new software technology provides the following unique
capabilities:
q Graphical,
interactive, and grid independent conceptual modeling. Interactive and visual
specification and editing of model domain and aquifer properties and stresses
over any arbitrarily-shaped area at any time during model construction,
simulation, and analysis. Automatic grid generation and conversion of
conceptual representation to numerical models
q Interactive
simulation and real time visualization and animation of flow in response to
deterministic as well as stochastic stresses. Interactive, visual, and real
time particle tracking, random walk, and reactive transport modeling in both
systematically and randomly fluctuating flow. Real-time modeling and
visualization of aquifer transition from confined to unconfined to partially
de-saturated or completely dry and rewetting
q Real-time
subscale modeling. Real-time regional to local data extraction; Real-time
visualization of multiple subscale flow and transport models. Real-time
modeling of steady and transient vertical flow patterns on multiple
arbitrarily-shaped cross-sections with simultaneous visual overlays of aquifer
stratigraphy, properties, hydrological features (rivers, lakes, wells, drains, surface
seeps), and dynamically adjusted surface flooding area
q
Interactive and visual conditional simulation of hydrogeologic and
geochemical spatial fields; Interactive scattered data interpolation,
regression, Kriging; On-line variogram modeling; real-time conditional flow and
transport simulations. Interactive, real-time Monte Carlo and conditional Monte Carlo
simulation.
q
Real-time
model presentation. Automatic and customizable GIS-like overlays of model
inputs, outputs, site features, basemaps in raster and vector formats (e.g.,
bitmap, DXF, GIS Shapefile) in plan and cross-sectional views.
q Real-time computation and visualization of instantaneous and accumulative water and solute mass balance. Visual and real time monitoring of head and flux hydrographs and concentration breakthroughs and comparison with observations. Real-time recursive statistical analysis and visualization of means and variances.
The Software Technology
Empowers Scientists and Engineers and Dramatically Improves Research Productivity
The innovative software environment dramatically improves research productivity and reduces the time needed for conducting a modeling project. It changes the role of humans in complex modeling projects from heavily physical to cognitive problem solving and decision making tasks. The seamless model integration, visual interactivity, and real-time processing and communication capability makes it possible for scientists and engineers to focus on critical conceptual issues and to quickly and iteratively examine modeling approximations and hypotheses, identify dominant processes, assess data worth and model uncertainty, calibrate and validate the numerical representation, and experiment in real time with environmental sampling, management, and remedial options.
The new technology allows the scientists and engineers’ thought processes to progress naturally and intuitively with the correct information visualized, analyzed, overlaid, and compared at the instant it is required, providing a real sense of continuous exploration. Being able to watch natural subsurface flow and transport processes evolve over time and visualize instantaneously the complex interrelationships among hydrological and environmental variables sparks pivotal insights, giving rise to an intuitive grasp of the hydrogeological and chemical processes that can't be readily obtained otherwise.
The new software offers a method of seeing the unseen and understanding the invisible. It enriches the process of professional investigation and scientific discovery and transforms the way scientists and engineers conduct model-based investigations and site characterization.
The Software Technology
Enriches Teaching and Learning and Brings Cutting-Edge Research and Complex
Problem Solving into the Classroom
The new software environment makes an ideal tool for educational use and public outreach activities. It is intuitive, illustrative, meaningful, and revealing. It is an enabling technology. The software makes it possible to introduce real-world groundwater site investigations and complex problem solving into the classroom on a routine basis. The software tool can be used as an interactive “chalkboard” for professors to teach groundwater flow and contaminant transport, contaminated site investigation and remediation design using vivid, real time, and interactive simulations. It can be also used as an interactive “notepad” or virtual testing ground for student to engage in real-time interactive exploration and creative experimentation under realistic conditions.
The software technology is currently used in many universities across the country and worldwide. In particular, it is systematically applied in a NSF CRCD project at Michigan State University, Portland State University, and Oregon State University to implement an action-oriented curriculum and promote student-centered and problem/project-based learning (PBL). The project aims to simultaneously develop both problem solving strategies and disciplinary knowledge bases by placing students in the active role of researchers and problem solvers confronted with ill-structured problems that mirror real-world situations. Preliminary experience shows that our innovations in the classroom utilizing the new software environment have produced the following instructional benefits:
q
Foster practical problem-solving skills and
critical thinking abilities.
q
Motivate student interaction, creative
experimentation, cooperation and collaboration.
q
Provide seamless integration of education with
research and theory with application and introduces in a substantial way
research into the engineering curriculum.
q
Promote “nonlinear inquiry” of knowledge and
facilitate “storylines” or thematic learning - where a pathway for exploration
is woven around particular project dynamics.
q
Facilitate student-centered learning, allowing
choice in the pathways for learning and the location and rate at which material
is introduced.
q
Improve the delivery of advanced education to
women and minorities by addressing different learning styles and facilitating
individualized learning and independent studies.
q
Enhance career opportunities for students by
giving them advanced experience in practical problem solving.
On-going
research focuses on extending the software and model capabilities, refining
solution algorithms, and improving the graphical user interface.