A method of converting no-flow cells to variable-head cells for the U. S. Geological Survey modular finite-difference ground-water flow model

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey Modular Ground-Water Flow Model, commonly referred to as MODFLOW, simulates ground-water flow through porous media using the finite-difference method. The region being modeled is divided into a grid of cells, and each cell is defined to be either no-flow, variable-head, or constant-head. The model calculates a value for head at all variable-head cells whereas head at constant-head cells is specified by the user. Cells are designated as no-flow cells if they contain impermeable material or are unsaturated, and accordingly the flow of water is not simulated in such cells. As originally published, MODFLOW could simulate the desaturation of variable-head model cells, which resulted in their conversion to no-flow cells, but could not simulate the resaturation of cells. That is, a no-flow cell could not be converted to variable head. However, such conversion is desirable in many situations. For example, one might wish to simulate pumping that desaturates some cells followed by the recovery of water levels after pumping is stopped. An option that allows cells to convert from noflow to variable-head has been added to the model. In this option, a cell is converted to variable head based on the head at neighboring cells. The option is written in FORTRAN 77 and is fully compatible with the existing model. This report documents the new option, including a description of the concepts, detailed input instructions, and a listing of the code. Example problems illustrate the practical applications of the option. Although solution of the modified flow equations can be difficult for the model solvers, the example problems show that it is possible to solve a variety of complex problems.