Modeling Concepts
The IGW-NET modeling playbook: provocative, detailed concepts that explain groundwater system dynamics, data, calibration, discretization, transport, surface water, and decision-making.
One page, one modeling idea
Each card makes a specific point. Tutorials show workflows; realtime help explains interface details; these concepts explain why model choices matter and how experienced groundwater modelers think about systems, uncertainty, resolution, and interpretation.
Systems / Philosophy
Global Does Not Mean Coarse
Why the global base model is already physically rich, high-resolution, and useful before local customization begins.
Global base model 02Structural Dynamics vs Perturbations
Stop reinventing groundwater systems; understand where local reality deviates from the larger hydraulic structure.
System thinking 03Turn Any Location Into a Working Groundwater Model
Why reusable system fabric changes groundwater modeling from manual assembly to computational steering.
Computational steeringData / Calibration / Decision-Making
Many Noisy Observations vs Few Precise Measurements
At regional scale, broad coverage can be more valuable than a few perfect measurements.
Model–data comparison 05Sensitivity Analysis as Perspective Building
Not everything matters equally — fast sensitivity analysis shows where effort should go.
PrioritizationModeling Judgment
Hydraulic Remoteness
Why nested models make boundary placement less fragile.
Boundaries / submodels 07Geological Layers vs Computational Layers
Hydrostratigraphy is not the same thing as numerical vertical resolution.
Vertical discretization 08Numerical vs Physical Dispersion
Robustness, dilution, refinement, and transport realism.
Transport 09Three Surface-Water Representation Levels
Fully coupled SW-GW, mapped hydrography as boundaries, or emergent DEM drainage.
Surface water / groundwater 10Lidar-Enabled Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems
Fragile headwaters, seeps, wetlands, and coldwater streams need resolution.
LiDAR / GDEs 11Vadose Zone via SwaNET/INFIL
Why coupled-model recharge beats in-IGW-NET infiltration.
Recharge coupling 12Darcy Applicability at Scale
EPM defensibility in karst, fractures, and conduits.
Scale / DarcySystem Interpretation
Stream vs Drainage Precedence
Avoiding double counting while allowing hydrologic emergence.
Surface water 14Surface Drainage as Wetland Predictor
Why wetlands and seeps can emerge from groundwater solutions.
Emergent drainage