Extending the MODPATH Algorithm to Rectangular Unstructured Grids

Ground Water. 2016 Jan;54(1):121-5. doi: 10.1111/gwat.12328. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Abstract

The recent release of MODFLOW-USG, which allows model grids to have irregular, unstructured connections, requires a modification of the particle-tracking algorithm used by MODPATH. This paper describes a modification of the semi-analytical particle-tracking algorithm used by MODPATH that allows it to be extended to rectangular-based unstructured grids by dividing grid cells with multi-cell face connections into sub-cells. The new method will be incorporated in the next version of MODPATH which is currently under development.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Groundwater*
  • Hydrology
  • Water Movements*