ModelMuse

Criterion

Explanation

General Description

ModelMuse is a GUI for creating the flow and transport input file for PHAST, as well as other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) models:  MODFLOW-2005, MODFLOW-LGR, MODFLOW-LGR2, MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-CFP, MODFLOW-OWHM, MODPATH, ZONEBUDGET, PHAST, SUTRA, MT3D-USGS, and WellFootprint; and the non-USGS model MT3DMS.

Includes a top, front and side view of the model.

Model Domain

Groundwater

Developer

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Hardware computing requirements

For use in Microsoft Windows environments

Code language

Pascal

Original application

Provide insight required for allowing the groundwater system to be quickly and effectively viewed and modeled.

Public/proprietary and cost

Public; no cost

Physically or empirically based

Physically based

Mathematical methods used

The spatial data for the model are independent of the grid, and the temporal data are independent of the stress period. This means the user can redefine spatial and temporal discretization at will, without re-specifying spatial data pertaining to the hydrogeological framework and boundary conditions.

ModelMuse has a variety of interpolation methods and geographic functions for defining spatial variability.

The grid can be rotated at an angle to the global coordinate system.

Data sets (2-D or 3-D arrays of values) are used to define tops and bottoms of layers representing spatially distributed data in MODFLOW and PHAST. Each data set has a default formula that assigns a value to each cell, node, or element. Objects (points, polylines, and polygons) drawn in ModelMuse or imported, are used to modify the default values of data sets and to set boundary conditions. This can be done in any of three ways:

1. In 2D data sets – values interpolated among objects
2. Values can be set for elements or cells whose centers or nodes are enclosed inside the object
3. Values can be set for elements or cells intersected by the object.

Objects can be used to set the size elements (PHAST) or cells (MODFLOW) in a grid.

Six interpolation methods are available in ModelMuse: (A) Nearest interpolation method, (B) Nearest point, (C) Inverse distance squared, (D) Point inverse distance squared, (E) Fitted surface, and (F) Triangle interpolation.

New version (3) includes methods for generating a finite-element mesh compatible with SUTRA, rather than a finite-difference grid. For 2D SUTRA, the mesh consists of quadrilateral elements on the top view. For 3D SUTRA, the mesh consists of vertically aligned hexahedral elements.

Input data requirements

Data can be imported from a variety of sources.

User defines the spatial input for the models by drawing lines, or polygons on top, front, and side views of the model domain. Shapes may be drawn in 3-D.

ModelMuse stores all its data in a single file. Text files with the extension ".gpt" and compressed binary files (".mmZLib") are among the most common supported files.
In order to execute a PHAST model, the user may need to create a chemistry data file too.

Outputs

Spatial data results from both MODFLOW and PHAST can be viewed in the Model Viewer.

Pre-processing and post-processing tools

N/A

Representation of uncertainty

N/A

Prevalence

Widely used in aquifer management studies, groundwater transport modeling, and research on ground-surface water interactions.

Ease of use for public entities

ModelMuse is not only accessible, but there are a wide range of applications and examples facilitating its use.

Ease of obtaining information and availability of technical support

Support for correcting bugs and clarification of how the model works can be obtained from rbwinst@usgs.gov.

Source code availability

The source code is available for download at the USGS ModelMuse web page: 

https://water.usgs.gov/nrp/gwsoftware/ModelMuse/ModelMuse.html

Status of model development

Fully developed and ready for use

Challenges for integration