Framework

Conceptual Models

A conceptual model is developed from the collation and interpretation of available datasets. The conceptual model summarises the current understanding of the key catchment processes, dependencies and impacts on the water resource. The essential function and behaviour of surface water and groundwater systems and their interaction in the catchment is described.

The conceptual model can be presented graphically, typically in cross-section or block diagram format, with supporting descriptions. An example of such a presentation of the conceptual model for a groundwater flow system is presented in Figure 1. The key elements of a conceptual model are:

  1. the catchment framework, defining the boundaries of the study area, in terms of groundwater and surface water divides;
  2. the hydrogeological framework, in terms of the general structure and properties of the aquifers, aquitards and other geological units making up the catchment;
  3. the surface water framework, the configuration of streams, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, estuaries and other surface water features in the catchment landscape;
  4. the hydrological framework, the key processes defining the movement of water throughout the landscape such as rainfall, evapotranspiration, run-off, stream flow and groundwater flow;
  5. the ecosystem framework, the key environmental assets that have a dependency on the surface water or groundwater features of the catchment such as wetland ecosystems, endangered aquatic species or important vegetation communities; and
  6. the anthropogenic framework, the human-induced factors that can influence hydrological processes in terms of water quantity and quality, such as pumping, land clearing, intensive agriculture, drainage, flood mitigation works, mining etc. Also included are the social dependencies of the water resource such as heritage and cultural values.

Example of a block diagram type conceptual model for a groundwater system
Figure 1: Example of a block diagram type conceptual model for a groundwater system (Middlemis, 2001)

References

Middlemis H, 2001. Groundwater flow modelling guideline. Murray Darling Basin Commission.