Conceptualization and characterization of ground-water Systems using Geographic Information Systems

The correlation and synthesis of a variety of two- and three-dimensional data is necessary to conceptualize and characterize ground-water flow systems in regional or site-specific areas. This paper presents an integrated,multidisciplinary, step-wise approach for conceptualizing, characterizing, and numerically simulating ground-water flow systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The method presented involves seven iterative steps that can be accomplished manually or by using GIS: 1) Data gathering and preparation; 2) Field (on-site) conceptualization; 3) Surface characterization; 4) Subsurface characterization; 5) Hydrogeologic model characterization; 6) Hydrologic system characterization; and 7) Numerical model simulation. GIS may be used for: 1) data management, analysis, and visualization; 2) the integration of diverse data sources; 3) rapid development, visualization, and testing of alternative hydrogeologic and hydrologic system models; 4) the incorporation of contouring, attribute tables, and statistical analysis during data analysis and model development; and 5) the integration of basic and interpreted data bases with numerical modeling for purposes of model design, parameter discretization, statistical evaluation, and sensitivity analysis.