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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 innovative software environment dramatically improves research
productivity and reduces the time needed for conducting a modeling project. It
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 technology 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 software environment makes an ideal tool for educational use and
public outreach activities. It is intuitive, illustrative, meaningful, and
revealing. 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.
On-going research focuses on extending the software and model capabilities,
refining solution algorithms, and improving the graphical user interface.
Publications:
-
Li,
S.G. and Q. Liu, "A real-time, computational
steering environment for integrated groundwater modeling". Recommended
for publication, under revision, Ground Water.
-
Li,
S.G., Q. Liu, and S. Afshari, "An
Object-Oriented
Hierarchical Patch Dynamics
Paradigm (HPDP)
for
Groundwater Modeling". Recommended for publication, under
revision, Environmental Modeling and Software.
-
Ni, C.F. and S.G. Li, "Simple Closed-Form Formulas for Predicting
Groundwater Flow Model Uncertainty in Complex, Heterogeneous Trending
Media". Recommended for publication, under revision. Water Resources and
Research, Download
PDF
-
S.G.
Li and Q. Liu, "Interactive Ground Water (IGW)", Environmental
Modeling and Software. Vol. 20, No. 12 ( In Press). Download
PDF
-
S.G.
Li, Q. Liu, Interactive Ground Water (IGW): An Innovative Digital
Laboratory For Groundwater Education and Research, COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN
ENGINEERING EDUCATION. Vol. 11(4):179~202, 2003. Download
PDF
