Computational Models for Water Resource Management

Abstract

Due to climate change, growing demand with increasing population and environmental pollution, the management of water resources is crucial for its sustainable use. In computer simulations, traditionally, the problem domain is discretized using grid/mesh-based methods such as Finite Difference Method (FDM), Finite Volume Method (FVM), and Finite Element Method (FEM). Recently, meshfree methods are becoming popular due to their advantages compared to grid/mesh-based methods. In this chapter, an overview of these methods is provided. The computational models of FDM, FEM and meshfree Radial Point Collocation Method (RPCM) are elaborated for simulation of flow and contaminant transport in groundwater. Further, the applicability of these computational models is demonstrated using two case studies. The effectiveness of the models is demonstrated through comparison with well-established MODFLOW-MT3DMS and COMSOL model simulations for the case studies. Through the applications of these models, the opportunities and challenges in these computational models are discussed.