Decades of groundwater hydrology research and modeling has demonstrated that flow in the subsurface environment is complex. It consists of shallow and deep flow systems; it is multiscale - a hierarchical system or system of systems. Watch the related videos, answer short questions, and re-create the animations/models using IGW-NET.

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)

Introductory-level Lesson. The focus of this exercise is regional circulation of water within a groundwater basin - a defined volume of the subsurface through which groundwater flows from areas where the water table is recharged to a location where groundwater discharge occurs. This movement is a three-dimensional phenomenon, but we will use two-dimensional (vertical cross section) flow net diagrams to effectively illustrate some generalized flow system features and the effects of heterogeneity and anisotropy

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)

Groundwater flows in the path of least resistance. At each point in it’s journey, it will “select” the next point to go to. So every adjacent point uses the least energy to move to the next point. Modeling groundwater flow is essentially a systematic process to identify and delineate these optimal, least resistance flow paths, connecting recharge points (areas) to discharge points (areas). Watch the related videos, answer short questions, and re-create the animations/models using IGW-NET.

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)

Develop a IGW-NET model to examine the effects of topography on regional groundwater flow systems.

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)

Develop a IGW-NET profile model to examine the effects of geology on regional groundwater flow systems.

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)

Water seeps most frequently occur at the base of hillsides composed of glacial deposits. Springs arise from water bubbling up from the surface soil that is usually a light-grey colored marl. Watch the related videos and answer short questions.

(Vertical Regional Circulation- 7)