Program 2: Hydrodynamics and Modelling of Complex Groundwater Systems

The NCGRT aims to cross fertilise the ideas and expertise of researchers from many disciplines to better understand Australia's groundwater systems. Collaboration will be taken to an unprecedented level with hydrogeologists working alongside other specialists such as physicists, engineers, mathematicians, chemists, geologists and experts in remote sensing.

A key focus of Program Two will be capitalising on this broad expertise to develop and apply sophisticated simulation tools to understand and predict groundwater behaviour. Researchers in this Program will be developing state of the art models to analyse information and overcome critical challenges on the dynamics of groundwater systems so they can be better protected and managed.

Modelling will be used to tackle a range of intricate groundwater processes to address fundamental questions, such as estimating groundwater flow, and to better understand the impact of highly complicated water and rock properties in the movement of groundwater. Researchers will also use next generation 3-D computer modelling to examine highly dynamic surface water and groundwater interactions and address common misconceptions about their relationship.

A major goal will be to improve the predictive quality of modelling so that water management issues can be addressed with far greater confidence.

Sub-program 2A: Uncertainty in groundwater flow estimation

Sub-program 2B: Heterogeneity in groundwater fluids and geologic structures

Sub-program 2C: Highly transient, spatially-distributed surface water–groundwater interaction

Sub-program 2D: Simplicity versus complexity in groundwater modelling

Download the Program 2 outline .

Leader

Professor Craig Simmons, Flinders University

Deputy Leader

Dr Adrian Werner, Flinders University

For enquiries about Program 2, email Craig Simmons or Adrian Werner

Chief and Partner Investigators

• Professor Peter Cook, CSIRO/Flinders
• Associate Professor Bryce Kelly, UNSW
• Dr Andrew Love, Flinders