Understanding Complex Models Using Visualization: San Bernardino Valley Groundwater Basin, Southern California

Zhen Li and Wesley R. Danskin U.S. Geological Survey, zhenli@usgs.gov, wdanskin@usgs.gov, San Diego, California, USA

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Abstract

Continuing advances in simulation software, such as MODFLOW, have made it possible to represent many different physical processes. Unfortunately, this increase in both the number and complexity of simulated processes can create challenges for scientists constructing the model, decision makers using the results, and the lay public supporting the work. Three examples of visualization are developed to better understand key hydrodynamic interactions in the San Bernardino Valley ground-water basin. Of primary interest are the relations between pumpage and stream losses, and between stream recharge and potential liquefaction. The visualizations combine historical data and model results in animated maps and graphs for the simulation period 1945—2030. The resulting video clips contribute to improved understanding and insights about ground-water flow in the basin and are viewed frequently by project scientists, by water managers at board meetings, and by the lay public on a project website. The full text of this paper, including color figures and animations, is available at https://ca.water.usgs.gov/sanbern/vis/index.html.

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Visualizations

Groundwater pumpage Video

Streamflow gains and losses Video

Depth to ground water Video

Additional Visualizations

• Selected water-levels from 1936 to 1994
• Recharge from precipitation
• Pumpage
• Depth to water
• Simulated streamflow gains and losses with gaged stream inflow and outflow graph
• Stream infiltration and exfiltration with synchronized pumpage
• Evaportranspiration
• Simulated water-level change since 1944
• Storage
• Water-level response for recharge sites