Teaching hydrogeology with a Simple Online Groundwater Model (SOGWaM)

Numerical groundwater models have become one of the most commonly used and important groundwater tools over the last half century. In this period, groundwater models have developed from purpose-built solutions for a single problem run from punch cards into powerful, modular programs that can be run programmatically or with graphical interfaces. This has given experienced groundwater modelers increased control and power to answer a wide range of questions. However, these complex models and interfaces are difficult for novices to learn and are too complicated to use as in-class teaching aids of simple hydrogeologic concepts.

We constructed the Simple Online Groundwater Model (SOGWaM) as a classroom aid for introductory geology and hydrology courses. This JavaScript-based web application can be run in most browsers across a range of platforms to allow classroom flexibility and avoid installation issues. Students learn best by doing, so this tool allows them to simulate and visualize groundwater flow, and to understand how system changes affect the flow field by developing and testing hypotheses. For ease-of use, only basic features were included. The model: is two-dimensional (cross section or map view); includes three boundaries (recharge, pumping/injection wells, and prescribed head); and permits hydraulic conductivity to be assigned as homogeneous or heterogeneous (random field or user-defined). Model results may be visualized as head contours, quiver plots of flow direction, or the user may simulate and display particle tracking. Included are several demonstrations to show how SOGWaM can aid student comprehension in hydrogeology courses.