MODFLOW is a three-dimensional (3D) finite-difference groundwater

model that was first published in 1984. It has a modular structure that allows it
to be easily modified to adapt the code for a particular application. Many new
capabilities have been added to the original model.
MODFLOW simulates steady and nonsteady flow in an irregularly shaped flow system in
which aquifer layers can be confined, unconfined, or a combination of confined and
unconfined. Flow from external stresses, such as flow to wells, areal recharge,
evapotranspiration, flow to drains, and flow through river beds, can be simulated. Hydraulic
conductivities or transmissivities for any layer may differ spatially and be anisotropic
(restricted to having the principal directions aligned with the grid axes), and the storage
coefficient may be heterogeneous. Specified head and specified flux boundaries can be
simulated as can a head dependent flux across the model's outer boundary that allows water
to be supplied to a boundary block in the modelled area at a rate proportional to the current
head difference between a "source" of water outside the modelled area and the boundary
Visual MODFLOW Flex is more than just a graphical user interface for MODFLOW
groundwater simulations. Visual MODFLOW Flex brings together industry-standard codes
for groundwater flow and contaminant transport, essential analysis and calibration tools, and
stunning 3D visualization capabilities in a single, easy-to-use software environment.
With Visual MODFLOW Flex, groundwater modellers have all the tools required for
addressing local to regional-scale water quality, groundwater supply, and source water
protection issues.
With integrated 3D conceptual modelling, you will never have to rebuild a model again.
Model inputs and grid design can be updated at any point in the modelling process as
modelling objectives change, more data are collected and a better understanding of the subsurface is achieved.
Visual MODFLOW Flex provides both GIS-based 3D conceptual modelling and numerical
modelling all within a single integrated software environment. This reduces the need to
maintain costly 3rd party pre-processing tools and eliminates the error-prone process of
transferring data back-and-forth between different software packages and data formats.
The 3D conceptual modelling capabilities allow you to easily interpret and analyze raw GIS
data in 2D, 3D and cross-sectional viewers. This provides a visual quality assurance of the
data and allows you to gain a solid understanding of the subsurface before designing the
numerical model.
With integrated modelling, model inputs and outputs can be easily visualized alongside raw
GIS field data in 3D. This allows you to establish model credibility by demonstrating how
numerical model data (model layers, flow parameters, recharge data) were generated from
conceptual data (borehole logs, GIS data). Calculated heads and path lines can also be

displayed alongside conceptual model data to validate assumptions and further demonstrate
model credibility

Visual MODFLOW Applications

Visual MODFLOW Flex can be used for an array of groundwater applications.

Delineate well capture zones for domestic water supply development

Design and optimize pumping well locations for mine dewatering projects

Determine contaminant fate and exposure pathways for risk assessment

Simulate surface water-groundwater interactions

Watershed scale/regional groundwater modelling

Evaluate groundwater remediation systems (pump and treat, funnel and

gate etc)

Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)