ABSTRACT
The hydrogeologic conceptual model is a key source of uncertainty in predicting groundwater flow. The data used to develop the hydrogeologic conceptual model include geologic sample descriptions, interpretations of geophysical data and geochemical information. The proposed method is based on implicit modelling concept as there is a direct link between data – interpretation – model. The method uses Radial Basis Functions (RBF) to form grid free hydrogeological conceptual models. RBF models are developed for the key components in a hydrogeological conceptual model. This approach has significant advantages. Firstly, the models are consistent with the known data and can be automatically updated when new data comes to hand. Secondly, the models can be influenced by both the choice of high level input such as anisotropy while maintaining consistency with the data. Thirdly, the user can add manual interpretations (trends or a priori information) that are maintained separately from measurements, but are then merged in the model building process to produce a model consistent with both measured and interpreted data. Once created, the model (i.e. equations) can be gridded at any resolution or fitted to any mesh, a process that provides a flexible interface to flow simulators. The methodology is tested on data from Denmark.
