Calibration and Reliability in Groundwater Modelling: Credibility of Modelling

(Proceedings of ModelCARE 2007 Conference, held in Denmark, September 2007). IAHS Publ. 320, 2008, 337-344.

Impact of geological modelling on groundwater models – a case study from an area with distributed, isolated aquifers

F. Jørgensen¹, J. Damgaard² & H. Olesen²

1 Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland – GEUS, Dept. of Groundwater Mapping, Lyseng Allé,
DK-8270 Højbjerg, Denmark

flj@geus.dk

2 Orbicon, Ringstedvej 20, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

Abstract This study demonstrates the importance of detailed knowledge of the geological framework before subjecting a model area to groundwater modelling. Detailed knowledge is obtained through collection of geological and geophysical data and thorough analysis of local stratigraphy and geological processes forming the specific model area analysed. Even small variations in geological interpretation generate significant differences in the simulated groundwater flow dynamics calculated by the groundwater model due to the complexity of the flow system generated by the network of relatively small channel-like aquifers situated in a clayey matrix.

Key words geological modelling; groundwater flow; groundwater modelling; hydrogeophysics;
groundwater protection; buried valleys; TEM