April 2012 AEM Course
3 Day Shortcourse - Application of Steady-State and Transient Multi-Layer Analytic Element Groundwater Models: Bethesda, Maryland, April 23-25, 2012
The Analytic Element Method (AEM) is an exceedingly useful tool for solving groundwater problems. AEM’s most attractive feature is possibly that no numerical grid or time stepping is required. Analytic element models are often refreshingly easy to understand and insightful, which is appreciated by both clients and modelers. Recent research has resulted in the development of a transient multi-layer AEM code called TTim (pronounce: Tee Tim) as a companion to the popular steady multi-layer code, TimML. Development of AEM models with TimML and TTim is the main topic of this shortcourse.
This course will accomplish three principal objectives:
- Provide participants with sufficient AEM theory that they can construct and apply AEM models, and correctly interpret the results obtained.
- Teach participants the in and outs of TimML and TTim for solving practical groundwater problems using both short Python scripts and a GIS-based GUI.
- Expose participants to the application of PEST for the estimation of model parameters in TimML and TTim
The course will focus heavily on the application of multi-layer analytic element models in solving practical groundwater flow problems. The first morning will be used to introduce the analytic element method and the powerful but easy-to-learn Python programming language. Subsequently, the TimML and TTim codes are introduced through a number of hands-on excercises. We finish the course by working through two real-world cases and by using PEST to estimate model parameters.
All materials provided at the course will be made available free to the participants, including all codes and GUIs used for instruction purposes. TimML and TTim are free and open-source codes and are hosted by the Google code initiative for open-source computer programs. Participants are expected to bring their own laptop computers.
Course outline
Day 1 (April 23rd)
In the morning of Day 1 you will learn the fundamentals of the analytic element method and the Python programming language, and develop your own simple steady-state AEM simulator. In the afternoon you are introduced to the steady multi-layer code TimML.
Lectures
- Basic principles of the analytic element method
- Superposition of wells and uniform flow in steady-state conditions
- Basic principles of Python, object-oriented programming, interactive graphics
- Multi-layer modeling with the TimML computer code, including the simulation of wells and streams, and the generation of pathlines.
Hands-on Exercise
- Build your own simple analytic element code
- Hands-on excercises with TimML including wells, streams and pathlines.
Day 2 (April 24th)
In the morning you will learn more advanced features of TimML including impermeable walls and lakes. In the afternoon you will be introduced to the transient multi-layer code TTim.
Lectures
- Advanced features of multi-layer modeling with TimML
- Simulation of transient multi-layer modeling with TTim
Lab Exercise
- Hands-on exercises with TimML including impermeable walls and lakes
- Hands-on exercises with TTim including transient wells near surface water bodies and the delayed response of the water table
Day 3 (April 25th)
During day 3 we will solve practical groundwater problems with TimML and TTim and you will learn how to apply PEST to estimate model parameters.
Lectures
- Calibration of transient TTim model parameters to a real-world field data set
- Two real-world cases: Design of pumping wells near surface water features and design of recirculation wells
Lab Exercise
- Construction of model of groundwater circulation well including parameter estimation and the application of particle tracking to estimate volume of recirculation attained by recirculation well
- Evaluation of aquifer test of a pumping well near a surface water body
Who should attend?
Groundwater practitioners and scientists interested in learning multi-layer modeling with the analytic element method. A reasonable background in groundwater modeling and a healthy interest in tinkering with computer programs is required. You will learn both the ins and outs of the Analytic Element Method for groundwater modeling, you will acquire some introductory scripting skills in Python. Basic knowledge of Python will help you understand and run analytic element codes and many other environmental modeling codes, which may serve you for your entire career, irrespective of which types of models you use.
The Instructors
The course is taught by Dr. Mark Bakker. Mark has taught for 10 years at Universities in the United States before he returned to his homecountry of The Netherlands, where he teaches at the Delft University of Technology. Mark received his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Professor Otto Strack, the originator of the analytic element method. In addition to his academic work, Mark is a Senior Associate at Layne Hydro in Bloomington, IN. Mark is the main developer of TimML and TTim.
Mark will be assisted by:
- Dr. Erik Anderson, who is an analytic element modeling expert with Layne Hydro in Bloomington, IN, and developed the benchmark tests of TTim as well as the real-world application of a pumping well near a surface water body used in the course
- Marinko Karanovic, who works at SSP&A and developed a graphical user interface for the TTim and TimML codes that is used for instruction during the course; and, linked PEST with the TTim AEM code enabling automated estimation (i.e. calibration) of TTim parameters using field data.
- Dr. Matt Tonkin, who is a Principal at SSP&A and developed the groundwater circulation well application for use at a real-world site
Registration Fees
- $1000 Full Rate Assumes 3 Day Course, attendees bring own laptops
- $900 Full Rate Early Bird Signup before March 1, 2012
- $900 Student/State Rate Assumes 3 Day Course, attendees bring own laptops
- $810 Student/State Rate Early Bird Signup before March 1, 2012
Course Location
The course will be held at the Bethesda offices of S.S. Papadopulos & Associates, Inc. The office is within easy walking distance of either the Bethesda or Medical Center stations on the Metro Red Line. The course will commence Monday, April 23rd at 9:00 am and will be completed by Wednesday, April 25th at 5:00 pm.
Hotels
There are many Bethesda hotels conveniently located within walking distance of our offices. Six of these hotels are listed below. Course participants are strongly encouraged to make reservations at the hotel of their choice at the time of course registration.
Doubletree Bethesda
8130 Wisconsin Avenue
301-652-2000
http://www.doubletreebethesda.com
American Inn
8130 Wisconsin Avenue
301-656-9300
http://www.american-inn.com
Bethesda Court Hotel
7740 Wisconsin Avenue
301-656-2100
http://www.bethesdacourtwashdc.com
Hyatt
One Bethesda Metro Center
301-657-1234
http://www.bethesda.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Residence Inn
7335 Wisconsin Avenue
301-718-0200
http://www.residenceinnbethesdahotel.com
Hilton Garden Inn
7301 Waverly Street
301-654-8111
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=WASBTGI
Further Information
For any further information on the AEM course, please contact: Dr. Matthew J. Tonkin This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Our cancellation policy can be found here.
Please note: If you are registering for someone other than yourself, please use the "Add Special Instructions to Merchant" feature within PayPal. This feature will allow you to submit the name, email and phone number of the party who will be attending the course.