How Particle Track works

The particle-tracking algorithm used by the Particle Track tool employs a predictor–corrector scheme of predicting the future location of a particle based on the local velocity field, as interpolated from the nearest raster cell centers, similar to that employed by Konikow and Bredehoeft (1978). The successive locations of the particles are not tied to the resolution or location of the raster cells, so they are free to float through the velocity field.

Particle-tracking algorithm

Applications

The groundwater tools can be used to perform rudimentary advection–dispersion modeling of constituents in groundwater. Darcy Flow generates a groundwater flow velocity field from geologic data, Particle Track follows the path of advection through the flow field from a point source, and Porous Puff calculates the hydrodynamic dispersion of an instantaneous point release of a constituent as it is advected along the flow path. A complete discussion of advection–dispersion modeling using these functions is presented in Tauxe (1994).

The typical sequence for groundwater modeling is to perform Darcy Flow, then Particle Track, then Porous Puff.

Example

References

Konikow, L. F., and J. D. Bredehoeft. 1978. "Computer Model of Two-Dimensional Solute Transport and Dispersion in Ground Water". Vol. 7, Chap. 2 of USGS Techniques of Water Resources Investigations. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey.

Tauxe, J. D. 1994. "Porous Medium Advection–Dispersion Modeling in a Geographic Information System". Ph.D. diss., University of Texas, Austin.

Related Topics


6/29/2011