define
the
direction of dissolved contaminant migration
Modelling by manual calculations (analytical modelling) can be time-consuming and, therefore expensive. Therefore, groundwater
scientists have prepared a number of computer groundwater modelling
programs that allow for a more rapid and efficient assessment of
groundwater flow.
In addition, GIS technology allows for swift
organization, quantification, and interpretation of large quantities of
geohydrological data with computer accuracy and minimal risk of human
error.
One frequently
encountered modelling situation involves the assessment of the
distribution of hydrocarbon concentrations around a contaminant source
to evaluate various remedial scenarios including removal of the source
of contamination, concentration reductions resulting from consumption by
microbes, effect of groundwater recovery wells, and recharge sources. Such models can be used to predict the time
required for aquifer cleanup or for natural concentration reductions by
existing processes in the subsurface.
