Conceptual Model

A conceptual model is the first step in developing a more quantitative geologic, water-quality, groundwater-flow, or water-management model. A conceptual model defines the setting, the general structure, the primary processes, and a mass balance for the system being evaluated. The value in preparing a conceptual model is that it facilitates and expedites developing a credible quantitative model. Having a well-thought-out conceptual model helps prevent ending up with a quantitative model that works, might even appear credible, but is wrong in some very basic way. Probably the primary, often fatal criticism of a quantitative model is that it conflicts with a basic conceptual model of the system.

Project Chief: Wes Danskin
Phone: 619-225-6132
Email: wdanskin@usgs.gov

Welcome to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) San Diego Hydrogeology (SDH) project website, which provides geologic and hydrologic information for the transboundary San Diego–Tijuana area, USA and Mexico. This website provides background information about the project; a variety of news items; a large amount of data, in particular for USGS multiple-depth, monitoring-well sites; geologic and hydrologic models; and additional resources including photos, illustrations, and references.

Last updated: July 2023.

Some additional data may be available from the USGS database National Water Information System (NWIS).