MODFLOW-NWT and MODPATH models, capture zones and uncertainty analysis for the Partridge River Basin, Minnesota
Dates
Release Date
2021-01-01
Start Date
1995-01-01
End Date
2015-12-31
Publication Date
2023-09-15
Citation
Haserodt, M.J., Hunt, R.J., Fienen, M.N., and Feinstein, D.T., 2021, MODFLOW-NWT and MODPATH models, capture zones and uncertainty analysis for the Partridge River Basin, Minnesota: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9VODOU8.
Summary
A MODFLOW-NWT model was used to simulate the groundwater/surface-water interactions in the Partridge River Basin, MN using the Streamflow Routing and Unsaturated Zone Flow packages. The base model represents 2011-2013 average mining conditions and was used to build five mining scenario models, as described in the report. The base model and mining scenarios were used to estimate the base flow at 6 stream locations, pit inflows rates for the new hypothetical pits, and the average depth to water in twelve wetlands. PEST utilities were used to estimate an uncertainty with each of these forecasts. Particle tracking was performed with the MODFLOW solution (using MODPATH 7) and Monte Carlo techniques to create probabilistic capture zones. [...]
Summary
A MODFLOW-NWT model was used to simulate the groundwater/surface-water interactions in the Partridge River Basin, MN using the Streamflow Routing and Unsaturated Zone Flow packages. The base model represents 2011-2013 average mining conditions and was used to build five mining scenario models, as described in the report. The base model and mining scenarios were used to estimate the base flow at 6 stream locations, pit inflows rates for the new hypothetical pits, and the average depth to water in twelve wetlands. PEST utilities were used to estimate an uncertainty with each of these forecasts. Particle tracking was performed with the MODFLOW solution (using MODPATH 7) and Monte Carlo techniques to create probabilistic capture zones. This USGS data release contains all of the input and output files for the simulations described in the associated model documentation report (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215038).
The purpose of the MODFLOW-NWT model was to better understand the interaction between the groundwater and surface-water features in the Partridge River Basin and explore how hypothetical mining scenarios could change those interactions by looking at particular model forecasts and their associated uncertainty. The development of the model input and output files included in this data release are documented in the U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2021-5038 (https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20215038)
Preview Image
Image of the model domain and active area of the model.