MODFLOW-2005 and MODPATH6 models used to simulate groundwater flow and nitrate transport in two tributaries to the Upper Chester River, Maryland
Dates
Release Date
2019-01-01
Start Date
1940-01-01
End Date
2016-01-01
Publication Date
2023-09-15
Citation
Zell, W.O. and Sanford, W.E., 2019, MODFLOW-2005 and MODPATH6 models used to simulate groundwater flow and nitrate transport in two tributaries to the Upper Chester River, Maryland: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9VWY11M.
Summary
A previously developed steady state three-dimensional groundwater flow (MODFLOW-2005) and advective transport (MODPATH6) model was used to examine subsurface nitrate transport to wells and receiving streams in two subcatchments contributing to the Upper Chester River, Maryland. Multiple scenarios of flow and transport parameter fields (recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and porosity) were previously calibrated against groundwater levels, stream discharge measurements, and atmospheric tracer measurements, as described in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.02.006; those multiple scenarios are also available as a USGS data release (https://doi.org/10.5066/F7SN087R). Two of the flow and transport scenarios calibrated in Zell et al. [...]
Summary
A previously developed steady state three-dimensional groundwater flow (MODFLOW-2005) and advective transport (MODPATH6) model was used to examine subsurface nitrate transport to wells and receiving streams in two subcatchments contributing to the Upper Chester River, Maryland. Multiple scenarios of flow and transport parameter fields (recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and porosity) were previously calibrated against groundwater levels, stream discharge measurements, and atmospheric tracer measurements, as described in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.02.006; those multiple scenarios are also available as a USGS data release (https://doi.org/10.5066/F7SN087R). Two of the flow and transport scenarios calibrated in Zell et al. (2018) were selected to simulate nitrate transport, with MODPATH6 files updated as necessary to represent advective transport from observation wells with subsurface nitrate measurements. The development of the model input and output files included in this data release and the application of the models to nitrate transport simulation are documented in the Journal of Environmental Quality article (https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.11.0408).
Zell, W.O., Culver, T.B., Sanford, W.E., and Goodall, J.L., 2020, Quantifying background nitrate removal mechanisms in an agricultural watershed with contrasting subcatchment baseflow concentrations: Journal of Environmental Quality, v. 49, no. 2, p. 392–403, https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20049.
This groundwater model was created to simulate nitrate transport from recharge locations to discharge locations in two Maryland streams - Morgan Creek and Chesterville Branch. The development of the model input and output files included in this data release are documented in the Journal of Environmental Quality article (https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2018.11.0408).
Preview Image
Image of the model domain and active area of the model.