ASTM_D_6033_-_96_2008.pdf

Designation:D603396(Reapproved 2008)Standard Guide forDescribing the Functionality of a Groundwater ModelingCode1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6033;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide presents a systematic approach to the classi-fication and description of computer codes used in groundwatermodeling.Due to the complex nature of fluid flow and bioticand chemical transport in the subsurface,many different typesof groundwater modeling codes exist,each having specificcapabilities and limitations.Determining the most appropriatecode for a particular application requires a thorough analysis ofthe problem at hand and the required and available resources,as well as a detailed description of the functionality ofpotentially applicable codes.1.2 Typically,groundwater modeling codes are nonparam-eterized mathematical descriptions of the causal relationshipsamong selected components of the aqueous subsurface and thechemical and biological processes taking place in these sys-tems.Many of these codes focus on the presence and move-ment of water,dissolved chemical species and biota,eitherunder fully or partially saturated conditions,or a combinationof these conditions.Other codes handle the joint movement ofwater and other fluids,either as a gas or a nonaqueous phaseliquid,or both,and the complex phase transfers that might takeplace between them.Some codes handle interactions betweenthe aqueous subsurface(for example,a groundwater system)and other components of the hydrologic system or withnonaqueous components of the environment.1.3 The classification protocol is based on an analysis of themajor function groups present in groundwater modeling codes.Additional code functions and features may be identified indetermining the functionality of a code.Acomplete descriptionof a codes functionality contains the details necessary tounderstand the capabilities and potential use of a groundwatermodeling code.Tables are provided with explanations andexamples of functions and function groups for selected types ofcodes.Consistent use of the descriptions provided in theclassification protocol and elaborate functionality analysisform the basis for efficient code selection.1.4 Although groundwater modeling codes exist for simu-lation of many different groundwater systems,one may en-counter situations in which no existing code is applicable.Inthose cases,the systematic description of modeling needs maybe based on the methodology presented in this guide.1.5 This guide is one of a series of guides on groundwatermodeling codes and their applications,such as Guides D5447,D5490,D5609,D5610,D5611,and D5718.1.6 Complete adherence to this guide may not be feasible.For example,research developments may result in new typesof codes not yet described in this guide.In any case,codedocumentation should contain a section containing a completedescription of a codes functions,features,and capabilities.1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of informationor a series of options and does not recommend a specificcourse of action.This document cannot replace education orexperience and should be used in conjunction with professionaljudgment.Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in allcircumstances.This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy ofa given professional service must be judged,nor should thisdocument be applied without consideration of a projects manyunique aspects.The word“Standard”in the title of thisdocument means only that the document has been approvedthrough the ASTM consensus process.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD5447 Guide for Application of a Ground-Water FlowModel to a Site-Specific ProblemD5490 Guide for Comparing Ground-Water Flow ModelSimulations to Site-Specific InformationD5609 Guide for Defining Boundary Conditions in Ground-Water Flow Modeling1This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on Groundwater andVadose Zone Investigations.Current edition approved Sept.15,2008.Published November 2008.Originallyapproved in 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D6033 96(2002)DOI:10.1520/D6033-96R08.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 D5610 Guide for Defining Initial Conditions in Ground-Water Flow ModelingD5611 G